'Thankful to PM Modi for fulfilling Ayodhya's dream of Ram Temple': Yogi Adityanath at Deepotsav 2020

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that Narendra Modi helped realise the dream of construction of Ayodhya temple possible even during the COVID-19 pandemic. He made these statements at the Deepotsav programme in Ayofhya.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the construction of Ram Temple possible even during the pandemic. We are thankful to him for fulfilling Ayodhya's dream," Adityanath said.

"For many generations, everyone had the same desire in mind that if we could see the construction work of Lord Sri Rama's grand temple, then our birth and life would be blessed. That work has been successful because of Prime Minister Modi ji," Adityanath added.

Heaping praises on the Prime Minister, Adityanath said that he would like to congratulate Modi for his inspiration, his guidance, his strategy to fulfill this life-long dream of building the Ram Temple.

 Adityanath, along with Governor Anandiben Patel, inaugurated the `Deepotsav by lighting a `diya at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and offering prayers on Friday afternoon.

The Deepotsav set a new world record by lighting 5.5 lakh `diyas` at one time at one place.

Artistes dressed as Lord Ram, Sita, Laxman, Shatrughan, Bharat, and Hanuman arrived at the venue as a helicopter showered flower petals on them from the sky.

The deities were taken to the banks of Saryu river in a specially decorated chariot amid chants of `Jai Shri Ram`.

The Chief Minister then performed the `Rajyabhishek` to mark the return Lord Ram to Ayodhya after slaying Ravan in Lanka and completing his 14-year exile in the forest.

The ceremony was performed on a specially decorated stage that resembled the main hall of a palace.

Interestingly, all the ministers and officials were seen wearing specially designed pink and saffron turbans on the occasion.

The Governor and the Chief Minister performed the `Rajtilak` (anointment) of Lord Ram and then followed the `Bharat Milap` where Lord Ram hugged his brother Bharat who had taken charge of administration of Ayodhya in his absence.
  
Ayodhya has been illuminated as 'Deepotsava' celebrations are underway. The venue has been decorated for grand celebrations.

It is the fourth 'Deepotsav' organised by the government of Uttar Pradesh in Ayodhya.

(With IANS inputs)