Ayodhya Deepotsav brings Ramnagari alive with India’s rich cultural heritage

Ayodhya: The 10th edition of Deepotsav began with great enthusiasm in Ayodhya on Saturday, with colourful folk performances and tableaux showcasing the cultural traditions of different states and episodes from the Ramayana, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh flagged off the tableaux from Saket College. The procession featured representations of folk culture from various states, along with scenes depicting episodes from the Ramayana.

The resounding beats of drums and cymbals, rhythmic movements of Dhobiya dancers and performances by artists in traditional costumes filled the streets of Ramnagari with festive colours. Women played drums in front of the tableaux, while devotees and tourists showered flower petals on performers along the route.

This year, artists from different parts of the country have gathered in Ayodhya to showcase India’s cultural diversity through traditional folk dances and musical performances.

A 15-member team from Mathura arrived to present the traditional peacock dance. The team members said that although they were devotees of Lord Krishna, they considered it a matter of great fortune to showcase their art on the land of Lord Ram.

Similarly, a 15-member tribal artist team from Telangana enthralled the audience with its Gusadi dance. Dressed in traditional attire and wearing crowns adorned with peacock feathers, the performers presented an energetic group performance accompanied by drumbeats. The artists expressed pride in getting the opportunity to perform in Ayodhya. Several teams from Mathura, including performers of Nagada and Bam Rasiya, also participated in the celebrations.

Team member Laxman Beniwal said his group takes part in the Ayodhya festival every year and had also visited the city during the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla.

The main highlight of the festival will be the grand lamp-lighting ceremony along the banks of the Saryu River, where more than 3 million earthen lamps have been arranged across 56 ghats, including Ram Ki Paidi.

Around 35,000 volunteers from Avadh University worked for three days to complete the arrangements. In the evening, the diyas will be illuminated in the presence of Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Additionally, 2,147 priests will participate in the Saryu Maha Aarti, while a drone show featuring 2,100 drones will recreate episodes from the Ramayana.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has also been decorated with colourful lights, as devotees and tourists continue to arrive in Ayodhya for the celebrations.

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The Hans India