/ 0
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is on the way to restore the lost glory of Ayodhya and develop it as Awadhpuri, the name by which the town has been referred in ‘Ramcharitmanas’ penned by Tulsidas. The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented welfare schemes without any bias and ensured the benefits reach all the people, without any discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, language, just like in Ram Rajya, as Chief Minister inaugurated the development projects worth Rs 226 crore for the city.
CM Yogi mentioned “In last five years, India is being recognized as a cultural, strategic and economic power. The commitment with which government schemes and welfare programmes have been implemented in the country is an example of modern Ram Rajya”.
The CM and the chief guest, Fiji Deputy Speaker Veena Bhatnagar participated in the symbolic Raj Tilak of Ram, Sita and Lakshman marking their return to Ayodhya after 14-year exile. Yogi also attended Deepotsav which witnessed more than 5.51lakh earthen lamps being lit up on the banks of Saryu river.
‘Befitting reply to those who challenge our pride’
India does not trouble anyone, but if someone creates troubles, then it teaches a lesson. We consider the world to be one family, never trouble anyone. But if someone challenges our pride, then we give them a befitting reply,” Yogi said.
Accusing previous state governments of being scared of Ayodhya’s name and Chief Ministers not daring to visit it, Yogi said this was his 18th visit to the city in the past two-and-half years.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for putting India back on the world map as a cultural and economic power, CM Yogi said, “Today, the entire world is witnessing India’s rich cultural heritage in Deepotsav, Kashi’s Dev Deepawali, Kumbh and Yoga. Every Indian is proud of PM Modi who has placed India’s rich cultural traditions on the international platform.”
Governor Anandiben Patel thanked artists from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Philippines for participating in cultural events and said Deepotsav would bring greater recognition for Ayodhya, nationally and internationally giving an inspiration to fight darkness. A postage stamp on Deepotsav was also unveiled.
Milling crowds from every part of the country turned Ayodhya into a mini-India as the three-day concerted efforts of 5000 team of students, volunteers from Red Cross Society and people from all walks of life shone bright to gift the world a grander Deepotsav on the banks of Saryu river. The moment, the Ram Darbar made of diyas, a new addition to Deepotsav, courtesy 56 visual art students of Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University was lit up, religious fervour gripped the audience.
A Bright Sun, Cheerful Crowd & Holy Chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’
If on the one hand chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ by Ravan resonated on the streets, on the other hand ‘Jai Hanuman’ and ‘Jai Shri Ram’ captured the essence of Ayodhya. The Shobha Yatra culminated at Ram Katha Park with CM Yogi Adityanath witnessing the tableaus.
The yatra was led by three Ayodhya artists dressed as Ram, Sita and Lakshman, followed by 11 tableaus with artists from different states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Karnataka, besides Uttar Pradesh that portrayed the life and times of Ram and his homecoming. Six Muslim brothers from Dausa village of Rajasthan, who had led the procession in 2017 were also among the artists. The showstopper of the 4km procession here, however, was Hanuman with his bhangra moves. Part of the Panchvati tableaus that depicted scenes from Ram’s exile, Hanuman stood along with Jatayu (the mythological bird in Ramayan) amid dholak beats by folk artists of Uttarakhand.
Sanjay Kumar Singh
To read the further articles please get your copy of Eastern Panorama November issue @http://www.magzter.com/IN/Hill-Publications/Eastern-Panorama/News/ or mail to contact @easternpanorama.in
