Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the resolve taken on the banks of the Saryu in 2017 had given India’s cultural heritage a new identity and enhanced its stature on the global stage.
In a message marking the 10th edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Adityanath said the celebrations were not merely about lighting lamps or setting world records but represented a significant chapter in the revival of Sanatan culture, restoration of national self-respect and resurgence of the city’s historical and spiritual glory.
In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said the decade-long journey of Deepotsav had transformed a centuries-old wait into reality, restoring Ayodhya’s cultural identity and heritage.
He added that the lakhs of lamps illuminated at Ram Ki Paidi symbolised not only the triumph of light over darkness but also faith, social upliftment, empowerment of marginalised communities and local self-reliance.
“This historic decade of Deepotsav in Shri Ayodhya Dham has not been limited to the glow of lamps and world records, but has become a golden chapter in the revival of the glory of Lord Shri Ram’s city from the Treta Yuga, the renaissance of Sanatan culture, and the restoration of the nation’s self-respect,” he said.
Adityanath urged people to follow the ideals of Lord Ram and work towards establishing Ram Rajya, where the benefits of development reach the most deprived sections of society.
“On this glorious 10th edition of Deepotsav, let us all embrace the ideals of Lord Shri Ram in our lives. Let us build a Ram Rajya where the light of development reaches the lives of those at the very bottom of society, and where this eternal flame of faith, harmony, and service continues to shine for ages to come,” he said.
In another post, the Chief Minister described Ayodhya as being fully decked up for the celebrations, calling the festival a divine confluence of joy, pride and devotion.
He said the holy city, situated on the banks of the Saryu, was ready to be illuminated with lakhs of earthen lamps, symbolising the victory of light, truth and righteousness over darkness.
“Today, the sacred city of Shri Ayodhya Dham, nestled in the lap of Mother Saryu, whose waters are pure and holy, is fully adorned for the grand confluence of divine joy, pride and devotion — the ‘Divine Festival of Lights’,” he said.
Adityanath added that the celebrations marked the fulfilment of years of anticipation and reflected the faith of crores of followers of Sanatan Dharma.
The Chief Minister also welcomed Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, who was scheduled to attend the celebrations, along with ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats from friendly countries, distinguished guests from India and abroad, saints and devotees of Lord Ram.
He said their presence at the event would make the celebrations a memorable occasion, highlighting the values of equality, harmony, cultural unity and the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family).
In a separate message, Adityanath highlighted the spiritual significance of lighting lamps, describing them as symbols of consciousness and awakening rather than mere earthen vessels.
“A lamp is not merely an earthen vessel; it is the awakening of consciousness. For ages, it has taught us that we need not fight darkness, we need only light a lamp, and darkness departs,” he said.
Describing Ayodhya as the foremost among the seven sacred cities, he said Deepotsav commemorated the return of Lord Ram, who symbolises righteousness and truth.
The Chief Minister termed the 10th edition of Deepotsav a celebration of the revival of faith, self-respect and India’s eternal cultural consciousness. He also appealed to people to light lamps in their homes and courtyards alongside the celebrations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, saying the collective illumination would symbolise the triumph of eternal truth.
“Today, with Maa Saryu as our witness, we are all set to celebrate the 10th Deepotsav in the city Lord Shri Ram holds dearer than life itself. Ayodhya’s Deepotsav is a grand festival of the revival of our faith, self-respect, and eternal consciousness,” he said.
(IANS Inputs)
