Yogi arrives in Ayodhya for grand Diwali celebrations

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Ayodhya on Wednesday to take part in grand Diwali celebrations which includes the lighting of 1.75 lakh diyas or earthen lamps in one go.

The saffron-robed Chief Minister will take part in several programs including aarti on the banks of the river Saryu and a visit to Chitrakoot - where Lord Ram is said to have spent 12 of the 14 years of his exile.

Ayodhya is fully decked up to welcome Adityanath who is in the city with several other members of his cabinet.

A Ram Lila performance and a laser light show have also been planned as part of the grand celebrations.

According to reports, the lead Ramlila actors, playing Ram and Sita, will arrive in a helicopter decked with flowers and dressed up to resemble the ancient Pushpak Vimana of the epic Ramayana. The actors, in full costume, are likely to be received by the Chief Minister when they land on a makeshift helipad on the banks of the river.

The state government had earlier said that it wants to promote Ayodhya as a religious tourism destination in a big way.

OneIndia News