Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya
Ayodhya : Just over a month ago, Saryu was flowing at the danger level – its swollen waters presenting a picture of anxiety – but on Saturday, the same river flowed calmly as thousands of young volunteers spent the day arranging over 36 lakh earthen lamps along its ghats. For the first time, AI-generated videos depicting episodes from the Ramayan were screened on digital boards installed at intervals of nearly 20 metres along Ram Path, turning the thoroughfare into an open-air theatre. Earlier in the day, the three-km stretch from Saket Mahavidyalaya to Ram Katha Park turned into a moving stage for the Ramayana as 21 tableaux passed through streets lined with spectators. Seven tableaux depicted the seven ‘kands’ of the Ramayana, while the remaining 14 showcased govt schemes and development initiatives.
The facial features and expressions of the characters look so real,” said Santosh Waghmare, who had travelled from Nashik with his family. By the evening, the riverfront had transformed into a dazzling spectacle of flickering flames, laser beams and fireworks, as lakhs of devotees gathered to celebrate the homecoming of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lakshman at the 10th edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya. Throughout the day, Ram Ki Paidi, which was divided into several sectors to facilitate arrangements, remained a hive of activity as thousands of young boys and girls worked in their designated areas to arrange and light earthen lamps. As dusk descended, they bent over seemingly endless rows of lamps, lighting them one after another until the sprawling ghats began shimmering in golden hues. The gently flowing waters of Saryu reflected countless flames, lending a divine appearance to the surroundings. The serenity of the river contrasted with the excitement of the massive gathering, predominantly youngsters, who had arrived to witness one of Ayodhya’s grandest annual celebrations. Groups of youngsters stopped in their tracks, watching the digital narration, while others recorded the sequences on their mobile phones. For many elderly couples, who had grown up listening to the Ramayan through traditional storytelling, religious discourses and later television adaptations, the AI-powered presentation offered an experience unlike anything they had witnessed before. Some stood quietly with folded hands, while others watched alongside their children and grandchildren. “These AI-generated short clips of the Ramayana are so fascinating. Elaborate illumination arrangements along Ram Path, Lata Chowk, Ram Ki Paidi and around the Ram temple transformed streets, buildings and public spaces into a glittering landscape. Chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, accompanied by drumbeats and traditional music, reverberated through the temple town. Celebrations gathered momentum when chief minister Yogi Adityanath , deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and other dignitaries welcomed artistes portraying Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lakshman, who arrived aboard a UP govt helicopter, symbolically recreating their homecoming to Ayodhya. The artistes were taken to Ram Katha Park in a ceremonial carriage pulled by the chief minister, deputy CM and other dignitaries. Later, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Governor Anandiben Patel, chief minister Yogi Adityanath, deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and other dignitaries participated in Saryu Aarti on the riverbank. The ceremony was telecast live on giant LED screens installed at various locations across Ayodhya, allowing visitors gathered away from the ghats to witness the rituals. Women artistes carrying drums on their shoulders performed to rhythmic beats, while folk dancers from different states, traditional musicians and acrobats drew enthusiastic applause. Young spectators followed the procession, recording performances and cheering the artistes. Among the pilgrims was Bhoomi, a young woman from Uttarakhand, who walked barefoot carrying a miniature palanquin of Ram Lalla. She had brought the deity along to witness Deepotsav, making the journey an expression of personal devotion.
Young boys and girls stood mesmerised before the screens as familiar episodes from Lord Ram’s life unfolded through computer-generated imagery. Walking along Ram Path, elderly men and women paused before the digital boards to watch the episodes of the epic come alive through modern technology. Visitors from neighbouring districts and other states had begun arriving hours before the main celebrations, hoping to secure vantage points overlooking the ghats.
Every year, I eagerly wait for this event in Ayodhya,” said Deeksha Arora, who had travelled from Kanpur with her cousins. Gonda resident Sarath Kumar expressed delight at witnessing the festivities, while Ram Kumar from Jaunpur praised the Ramayan tableaux and cultural performances. As night fell, the excitement reached its peak. A spectacular laser show projected short episodes from the Ramayan, bringing scenes from the epic alive through colourful beams of light, animated visuals and synchronised effects. The storytelling through lasers added another technological dimension to the celebrations, complementing the AI-generated Ramayan videos displayed along Ram Path. As laser beams swept across the riverfront, thousands of mobile phones rose almost simultaneously to capture the spectacle. Youngsters posed for selfies against the illuminated ghats, while others made video calls to share the celebrations with relatives back home. “This is the best time to take countless selfies and make reels.
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“Deepotsav has become more than an annual celebration, and we hope the tradition would continue for years to come, giving future generations an opportunity to witness Ayodhya illuminated in the light of millions of diyas,” said Rajaram Mishra, an eatery owner. The celebrations eventually drew to a close with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the night sky over Saryu, bringing the day-long festivities to a colourful conclusion. As the last bursts of fireworks faded and visitors began making their way home, many were already looking forward to returning next year. Download the TOI App.