The grand Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya have transformed into a major international cultural confluence, expanding far beyond the traditional lighting of earthen lamps. On the banks of the Saryu river, against the backdrop of illuminated ghats, artists from multiple continents present episodes of the Ramayana through their own indigenous traditions and languages. The gathering highlights shared heritage and artistic interpretations that resonate across geographical boundaries.
Message from Yogi Adityanath
Yogi Adityanath shared on social media platform X that the Ayodhya Deepotsav has become a remarkable cultural bridge connecting India with the wider world. Artists from nations including Sri Lanka, South Africa, Indonesia, and Thailand bring the story of Rama to life in their regional idioms and performance styles. Comparing these varied artistic journeys to diverse rivers converging into a single ocean, the celebration unites distinct cultural expressions into a shared spiritual and artistic experience.
Scale of the Celebrations and World Records
The festival witnessed the lighting of more than 26 lakh earthen lamps in Ayodhya to set new world records, alongside over 1.51 crore lamps illuminated across Uttar Pradesh. Extensive decorations covered 41 prominent shrines stretching from Hanumangarhi to Kanak Bhavan. A grand aarti led by 2,100 Vedic scholars was conducted along the riverfront, accompanied by cultural processions highlighting regional folk art. Digital arrangements were also introduced to enable devotees globally to sponsor and light lamps remotely from their homes.
About Indonesia
Indonesia is an expansive archipelago situated across Southeast Asia and Oceania, comprising 17,508 islands. With a population of approximately 27 crore people, it ranks as the world's fourth most populous country and hosts the largest Muslim population globally. The national capital is transitioning from Jakarta to Nusantara. Indonesia shares land borders with Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor, alongside maritime boundaries with Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, and India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
