OPINION | Ayodhya Deepotsav: Let the lights dispel darkness

The roads and lanes of Ayodhya were brightly lit to commemorate the return of Lord Rama, his brother Lakshman and wife Sita, after 14 years of exile. A vast sea of lighted lamps was seen from an aerial drone above the city of Ayodhya.

The holy city of Ayodhya, birthplace of Lord Rama, dazzled on Diwali-eve as two Guinness world records were set. A record 25 lakh 12,585 diyas were lit across the 55 river banks, as 1,121 vedacharyas performed aarti on the banks of Saryu river. Nearly 500 drones illuminated the night sky with stories from Ramayana.

This was the first 'Deepotsav' at Lord Rama's birthplace since the consecration of Ram Lalla temple in January this year. More than 500 years after the temple was pulled down by foreign invaders and a mosque was built, Lord Rama's birthtown has celebrated Diwali with gusto. 

Almost all the temples in the holy city were illuminated. It was a mesmerizing view as synchronized and intricate pattern of laser lights lit the sky. 

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the man behind the show, was present to welcome the artistes playing the roles of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita and himself pulled their chariot. In his speech, Yogi said, "we have delivered what we had promised". The local Faizabad MP of Samajwadi Party did not attend the celebration. 

The "Deepotsav" in Ayodhya has several messages for the rest of India. One, this was the first Diwali celebration after the installation of Lord Ram Lalla at his birthplace. It reminds one how Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled his promise to build the Ram Janmasthan temple, and this was underlined again by Yogi on Wednesday. 

Two, by organizing Deepotsav, Yogi has given a clarion call to all Hindus to unite. He warned those attacking Sanatan Dharma and trying to create caste divisions in Hindu society. Three, both Samajwadi Party and Congress repeated their mistakes by opposing Deepotsav. One of them spoke about discrimination, while the other party spoke about how the river was polluted by littering lakhs of tonnes of oil. 

Looking at the exhilaration and enthusiasm among the general public, the objections raised by both these parties appear to be childish. These parties had committed the same mistake at the time of consecration of Ram Lalla temple in January this year. 

The very fact that Diwali is being celebrated at the birthplace of Lord Rama after the consecration of the grand temple is an event that should have been collectively endorsed. I do not find any reason behind raising any dispute. Already, disputes are being raised about use of firecrackers on Diwali night, but it is better that one should avoid raising disputes during festive cheer.

Aaj Ki Baat: Monday to Friday, 9:00 pm

India's Number One and most followed Super Prime Time News Show 'Aaj Ki Baat- Rajat Sharma Ke Saath' was launched just before the 2014 General Elections. Since its inception, the show has redefined India's super-prime time and is numerically far ahead of its contemporaries.