In Ayodhya, a grand event took place on the eve of Diwali 2024, where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak honored actors portraying Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman by applying a ceremonial ‘tilak’ on their foreheads. This marked the beginning of a week-long celebration leading up to the consecration of the Ram Mandir.
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#WATCH | Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak apply 'tilak' on the forehead of the artists enacting the roles of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita.#Deepavali2024 pic.twitter.com/Mx6iVYAY3p
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024
On this occasion, last year, CM Adityanath expressed the event’s importance, saying, “Ayodhya today embodies the spirit and unity of India. We are here to honour Lord Ram and reaffirm our dedication to our rich cultural heritage.” The reenactment of Lord Ram’s return on the mythical ‘Pushpak Viman’ was a key highlight, with flower petals showered from helicopters. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar remarked on the city’s transformation: “Change can be seen here, and the credit goes to CM Yogi Adityanath. Ayodhya has been transformed.”
As part of the celebrations, more than 33,000 diyas (oil lamps) were lit on the banks of the Saryu River, setting a world record with the display spelling out “Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai.” This was a symbolic and visual representation of reverence for Lord Ram. The Chief Minister, joined by Governor Anandiben Patel, led a symbolic coronation ceremony of Lord Ram, symbolising the deity’s return to Ayodhya after exile.
The event also witnessed strong corporate participation. Several companies contributed to the decorations and broadcast the ceremony live across multiplexes, allowing people nationwide to join in the celebration. “The consecration of the Ram Temple is not just a religious moment; it marks a civilisational milestone,” Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma commented in his address, calling on people of all faiths to unite in prayer on this significant day.
Last year on Ayodhya’s redevelopment, CM Adityanath stated, “This is not only a moment for Ayodhya but a matter of pride for India. The Ram Mandir will be a beacon of Indian values and spirituality for generations to come.”