Preparations are underway to ensure a memorable Deepawali celebration at the newly built Shri Ram Lalla Mandir, featuring special diyas designed to protect the Mandir structure from stains and soot. Following years of effort to establish the Mandir at its birthplace, these diyas have been carefully selected to provide maximum illumination over an extended duration while safeguarding the Mandir’s surfaces.
A retired Inspector General of Police has been appointed to oversee the decoration of diyas within the Mandir and its surroundings. The Mandir area has been divided into sections, with each assigned to specific teams to manage lighting, cleanliness, and decoration.
Ashu Shukla, a voluntarily retired IG from the Bihar cadre, has been tasked with beautifying every corner of the Mandir, including adorning all entrances with decorative torans and arranging attractive floral displays.
Notably, measures have been taken to prevent stains or soot from marring the Mandir’s structure. Wax diyas, chosen for their bright, long-lasting burn and reduced carbon emissions, will be used in the Mandir’s outer premises to minimise dirt and pollution.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has announced that devotees can view the Mandir’s splendid decorations from October 29 to November 1, with access available until midnight through Gate No. 4B (Luggage Scanner Point).
This year, Ayodhya will illuminate 55 ghats along the Sarayu River, with over two million diyas ready, as per sources. Preparations for the Deepotsav festival are in full swing, with the aim of lighting over 2.5 million diyas during Deepawali.
Ram Mandir is being decorated with 50 quintals of flowers. Along with this, arch gates have been made on all four entrances of the Mandir. The Mandir will be kept open for the next 4 days from October 29.
Ninety-five per cent of the ghat decorations are complete. A special feature of this year’s Deepotsav is the participation of 10,000 people, with a viewing gallery under construction at Ram Ki Paidi, set to be ready before the celebrations. Last year, diyas were lit on 51 ghats; this year, the plan is to illuminate 55.
