First lady of South Korea likely to grace Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya, accepts Yogi's invitation

LUCKNOW: The mega cultural event as part of three-day Diwali celebrations three-day in temple town of Ayodhya will have an added attraction as for the first time a foreign dignitary -- the First Lady of South Korea - is likely to grace the occasion. As per government sources, Kim Jung-sook, the wife of South Korean president Moon Jae-in has accepted the invite sent by CM Yogi Adityanath.

She will be landing in Ayodhya on November 6. This will be the first time when a foreign dignitary will be attending the Diwali celebrations called Deepotsava, a mega event organised by the state government to showcase Ayodhya's heritage.

The state government has also invited foreign media for coverage of the event. The occasion will also be chosen for laying foundation of Rs 50-crore memorial of Queen Hur Hwang-ok, also known as Suriratna, a princess of Ayodhya who went to South Korea and married the king aeons ago. South Korea's first aldy will take part in the ceremony.

Last year, Diwali celebrations in the temple town were limited to one day only when the bansk of holy river Saryu had come alive with illuminating 'Diyas' on Diwali eve in the presence of CM Yogi Adityanath and other state dignitaries.Thei  time around, it would be a three-day -- November 4, 5 and 6-- event. Governor Ram Naik, CM Yogi, cabinet ministers and thousands of pilgrims would converge in the temple town to celebrate the home coming of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile. The mega celebrations are arranged by the state government to bring Ayodhya on global tourist map. The government has also deployed helicopters to recreate the scene of Ram homecoming along with Sita and Lakshman after killing demon king Ravan.

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