30 lakh diyas lights up Saryu Ghats as Ayodhya celebrates 10th Deepotsav

More than 30 lakh earthen lamps lit up the Saryu ghats on Saturday as Ayodhya held its 10th Deepotsav, with Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan joining the celebrations. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath used the occasion to demand an apology from political leaders he accused of ordering police action against Ram devotees and saints during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

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Thousands of volunteers arrange diyas across 56 ghats

The lamps were placed along Ram Ki Paidi and 55 other ghats by thousands of volunteers. The annual festival, held ahead of Diwali on November 8, marks Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, according to Hindu tradition.

More than 2,500 police personnel and specialised security units were deployed to manage the crowds. Authorities also made traffic arrangements around the main venues. A show involving 2,100 drones, cultural performances and other programmes formed part of the celebrations.

Governor Anandiben Patel and CM Yogi Adityanath welcomed the Vice-President, who attended as chief guest. Before addressing the gathering at Ram Katha Park, the chief minister took part in prayers dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Janaki.

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CM Yogi Adityanath asks critics of Ram temple movement to apologise

Referring to the police firing on kar sevaks during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, CM Adityanath criticised former governments and said those responsible should seek forgiveness before visiting Ayodhya.

"An airport could never be built in Ayodhya in the past. Today, Ayodhya boasts an international airport named after Maharishi Valmiki... I have come here today to assure you of this: those who once neglected and insulted us, who opened fire on the devotees of Lord Ram, and who humiliated and lathi-charged the saints—if they ever visit Ayodhya, they must come only after offering an apology. Let them apologise to the devotees of Lord Ram; let them apologise to the saints. Let them repent for their past actions..." he said.

His remarks came amid reports that Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav plans to visit the Ram temple on December 12. Adityanath did not name him in the remarks.

Chief Minister Adityanath also referred to the consecration of Ram Lalla in January 2024, at which Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided. Earlier, he visited an exhibition on Ayodhya's history, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and new infrastructure projects.

Governor cites tourism and employment in Ayodhya

Governor Anandiben Patel said the rise in pilgrim arrivals was helping traders and families dependent on hospitality, transport, food services, handicrafts and religious supplies.

"I am delighted to be present here today on the sacred banks of the Saryu River on this extraordinary occasion of 'Deepotsav'. This holy evening is illuminated not only by the golden glow of countless lamps but also by the divine light of reverence, faith, and spiritual consciousness... 'Ram' is not just a name; he is an idea, a set of values, the soul of India, and the foundation of our national consciousness."

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