'Over 500 years later ... ': PM Modi calls this Diwali 'special' as Ayodhya prepares grand celebration for Lord Ram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation ahead of Diwali, highlighted the significance of this year’s celebrations as “special,” noting that it marks the first Diwali where Lord Ram will be celebrated at the newly constructed Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. “After 500 years, Lord Ram is seated in his grand temple, and this will be the first Diwali celebrated with him in his magnificent temple. We are all very fortunate to witness such a special and grand Diwali,” PM Modi said through video conference.

The Prime Minister also used the occasion to commend young beneficiaries of the Rozgar Mela, where over 51,000 youth received appointment letters for government jobs. "Today on this auspicious day, appointment letters for government jobs are being given to 51,000 youth in the employment fair," he said, adding that this effort forms part of an ongoing initiative to provide permanent jobs to youth across India, particularly in BJP and NDA-ruled states.

PM Modi further commended Haryana’s government for its hiring practices. “Our government has a special identity in Haryana...the newly formed government in Haryana has made an exemplary start by providing employment opportunities to around 26,000 youths," he remarked.

During his address, PM Modi pointed out a significant rise in the sale of Khadi, up by 400 percent compared to the previous UPA government, calling it a “benefit for artisans, weavers, and traders alike.” He further noted, “Khadi Gramodyog is doing business worth over Rs 1.5 lakh crore per year,” underscoring the government’s push for rural economic growth.

Highlighting the Lakpati Didi Yojana, Modi emphasized efforts to empower rural women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), enabling 1.25 crore women to achieve an annual income over Rs 1 lakh.

Ram Temple not to use Chinese Diwali decorative items
Meanwhile, Ayodhya’s preparations for the Diwali Deepotsav are underway, with the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust deciding to avoid Chinese-made items, favoring locally crafted decorations instead.

Commissioner Gaurav Dayal explained, "We want to promote local artisans and materials, which are more eco-friendly." This year’s celebrations are expected to set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of diyas lit simultaneously, and fashion designer Manish Malhotra has been commissioned to design festive attire for the Ram temple deities, blending high fashion with spirituality.

'Aarti by 1100 devotees, 25 lakh diyas': Ayodhya Deepotsav gears to set up two Guinness World Records

Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebration aims to achieve two Guinness World Records this year in honor of the newly constructed Ram Temple. Marking the first Deepotsav since the temple's completion, the festival will attempt two major records: a 1,100-person Saryu Aarti and the lighting of 25 lakh diyas across expanded areas like New Ghat, Old Ghat, and Bhajan Sandhya.

With over 1.2 million lamps already placed, the event is set to illuminate Ayodhya like never before. The Guinness Book of World Records has sent a 30-member team, led by team incharge Nischal Barot, to oversee the festivities. "This year’s Deepotsav is unique, with the first record-breaking Saryu Aarti and an unprecedented 25 lakh diyas," Barot told ANI.

To ensure success, volunteer numbers have been boosted, and the final results will be confirmed after the lighting on October 30.


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