Ayodhya gets ready to welcome Lord Ram, to set world record lighting 1.71 lakh diyas

The three-km long bank of river Saryu is ready to glitter with a record 1,71, 000 diyas on Wednesday evening deepdaan to be led by the chief minister.
(Photo : Twitter @CMOfficeUP )
(Photo : Twitter @CMOfficeUP )

LUCKNOW: This year Lord Rama's homecoming is expected to be unprecedented in many ways as every nook and corner of Ayodhya is being decorated to welcome its hero.
 
The three-km long bank of river Saryu is ready to glitter with a record 1,71, 000 diyas (earthen lamps)  on Wednesday evening deepdaan to be led by the chief minister for the first time in Ayodhya's history.
 
Lightening of over 2 lakh diyas simultaneously at the banks of Saryu, Ram ki Padhi and Ramkatha Park in the presence of CM Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries, will add sheen to Diwali celebrations in the temple town, and the event will go into the Guinness Book of World records as the biggest show of light.
 
Disclosing this, Ashish Mishra, who is coordinating the programme on behalf of Awadh University, revealed that over 2000 volunteers of the varsity were toiling day in and day out to meet the target.
 
The state tourism department has roped in Awadh university and Ayodhya-Faizabad district administration to organise the historic show successfully.
 
Representatives of Guinness Book of World Records reached Ayodhya on Sunday and inspected the site where the earthen lamps will be lit.
 
However, the district police administration has made unprecedented security arrangements turning the temple town into an impregnable fortress for the occasion.
 
Due to security reasons, Faizabad administration cancelled the programme of fireworks during CM Adityanath's presence in Ayodhya.
 
Foolproof security circle has been laid all along the route of Lord Rama's procession. A helipad has come up to facilitate the landing of the chopper bringing Lord Rama to Ayodhya to mark his homecoming.
 
A huge contingent comprising about 2,000 intelligence personnel and police commandos in the same number, armed with automatic weapons and electronic devices have been deployed across Ayodhya covering all localities.
 
 "A three-tier security arrangement has been put in place with the disputed site of Ram janma bhoomi under red security zone on top priority," said SSP, Faizabad,  Subhash Singh Baghel.
 
"The Babri site is already under the guard of paramilitary forces, we have also deployed rapid action force along with provincial armed constabulary in the second yellow security zone and civil police and home guards in the third green security zone, Baghel said.
 
Along with guarding the land, the Faizabad police have also tried to cover the river Saryu under the security cordon. Divers of PAC and sharpshooter armed with night vision devices and long-range rifles have been deployed along Saryu on combat boats to ensure security during the celebrations on Wednesday.
 
Even for the potters of in and around Ayodhya, it would be a special Diwali this year as they have been given orders for huge consignments of diyas. Orders for over 2 lakh diyas, each costing Rs1.50 - Rs 2, have been placed by the district administration only.
 
Around 10,000 litres of oil has been arranged at Saryu ghat to lighten the earthen lamps.
 

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