Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya on Sunday, on the eve of Diwali, where he will attend the sixth edition of 'Deepotsav' celebrations.
According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi will offer prayers to Lord Ramlala Virajman, followed by an inspection of the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra site. He will also perform the Rajyabhishek of the symbolic Bhagwan Shree Ram.
He will also witness aarti at New Ghat, Saryu river, which will be followed by the kickstart of the grand Deepotsav celebrations.
Security has been beefed up across Ayodhya for the Prime Minister's visit. Ayodhya Senior Superintendent of Police Prashant Verma told PTI that 4,000 police officers will be on security and safety duty for the event. "Crowd management is a major priority, so that the devotees, tourists and artists do not face any problem," he said, adding that traffic diversions have also been planned at various places in the city.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to Twitter in Hindi to announce Deepotsav. "Shree Ayodhya ji is ready for a grand and divine Deepotsav. All of you are welcome. Jai Shree Ram," he wrote. Adityanath also tweeted the new logo of the event.
Meanwhile, as part of the celebrations around 18 lakh earthen lamps will be lit on Sunday. The celebrations will also feature fireworks, a laser show and the staging of Ramlilas.
Ayodhya Divisional Commissioner Navdeep Rinwa told PTI that over 15 lakh earthen lamps will be lit by more than 22,000 volunteers at Ram ki Paidi near the Saryu bank. The rest will be placed at important intersections and spots, he added. Rinwa said there will also be a laser show, 3D projection mapping show and fireworks. "Ramlila will also be staged by cultural troupes from other countries and states," he said.
Ahead of the celebrations, a large number of people thronged the Ram ki Paidi on Saturday evening. The volunteers have been asked to arrange 256 earthen lamps in a square and the distance between two squares will be approximately two to three feet.
