Lucknow: Ayodhya, the revered city of temples and historic significance, is gearing up for the seventh edition of the three-day-long Deepotsav celebrations, set to commence on Thursday. With an array of cultural performances and the grand illumination of diyas, the festivities are expected to captivate both locals and visitors alike.
Focal Venues: Ram Katha Park and Beyond
Ram Katha Park will be the epicenter of the celebrations, adorned with cultural gems like Bharat Kund, Guptar Ghat, Birla Dharamshala, and Ramghat. These venues will host a myriad of cultural programs that reflect the rich tapestry of India’s artistic heritage.
Artistic Extravaganza: Artists from Across the Nation
The state government has extended invitations to artists from various corners of the country, ensuring a diverse and captivating display of talent. The celebrations are slated to culminate on November 11 with Deepotsav, a spectacular event where a staggering 21 lakh diyas will illuminate Ram Ki Paidi along the serene Saryu River and other enchanting parts of Ayodhya.
Folk Marvels: Dhobiya and Faruwahi Take Center Stage
Among the cultural highlights, the traditional folk music and dance forms of Dhobiya and Faruwahi will weave their magic. Hailing from regions like Azamgarh, Mathura, Jhansi, Jaunpur, and beyond, these artists will bring the soul-stirring essence of regional artistry to the forefront.
“Munna Lal from Azamgarh and Rajesh Sharma from Mathura will lead the shows. The lively Ram Barat and captivating ‘jhanki’ will traverse the city, with the Bundeli Rai dance adding a distinctive charm to the festivities,” shared a senior official overseeing the event.
Pan-Indian Diversity: Kerala’s Kathakali and Sikkim’s Cham Art
Adding a fascinating twist to the cultural panorama, artists from Kerala and Sikkim are set to present their unique art forms. Kunjiraman will showcase the vibrant Kathakali dance from Kerala, while Sharad Chandra Singh will delve into the intricacies of Sindhi Cham art and dance from picturesque Sikkim.
Mandeep, representing Jammu and Kashmir, will provide a glimpse of his state through the traditional Rouf dance. As the festivities unfold, artists will also pay homage to diverse dance forms, including Gendi from Chhattisgarh, Garba from Gujarat, Dalkhai from Odisha, Dollu Kunitha from Karnataka, and the captivating Kalbelia dance of Rajasthan.
Illumination Spectacle: Setting a Record with 21 Lakh Diyas
In a bid to surpass previous records, the Yogi Adityanath government aims to light an astonishing 21 lakh earthen diyas on November 11. Last year witnessed the illumination of 15.76 lakh diyas simultaneously, setting a benchmark for the grandeur associated with Deepotsav.
To achieve this feat, volunteers will meticulously arrange earthen lamps across 51 ghats at Ram Ki Paidi. A workforce of 25,000 students, primarily from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, will be deployed for this monumental task. The local municipal corporation will contribute by ensuring the ghats are impeccably cleaned and swept before the diyas are aligned.
The Volunteers’ Task: A Symphony of Lights and Coordination
Volunteers have been tasked with pouring 30 ml of mustard oil into each diya on November 11, enhancing the visual spectacle and ensuring a seamless lighting ceremony. A 4.5-foot-wide block will house 256 diyas in a 16 by 16 formation, creating a captivating grid of lights.
To facilitate the movement of volunteers during the event, a circulation space will be strategically created within the grid. The meticulous planning and coordination aim to elevate the visual impact of the Deepotsav celebration, marking it as a testament to unity, cultural richness, and spiritual significance.
