Two world records were set during the celebration, showcasing an Ayodhya beyond imagination
In Ayodhya, every household and courtyard celebrated the grand festival of lights, marking the first Diwali since Lord Ram was enshrined in his majestic temple. During this celebration, lines from the Ramcharitmanas, “Amit roop prakat tehi kaala, jathajog mile sabhin kripala… Kripadrishti Raghubir biloki, kiye sakal nar nari bisoki…” seemed to come alive. These verses describe how Lord Ram, knowing the hearts of his people, appeared in countless forms and bestowed his grace, removing all sorrow.
On Wednesday, Ayodhya seemed like a scene from those verses. Every corner of the city reflected the glory of Lord Ram. Starting at 11 a.m., a grand procession symbolizing the coronation of Ram departed from Saket College, drawing people eager to catch a glimpse. Prof. Ashutosh Tripathi, standing nearby, remarked that the sight of Lord Ram brings an unparalleled joy, as the Ramcharitmanas says, “Sab bidhi sab pur log sukhari, Ramchand mukh chand nihari…”—the very sight of Lord Ram’s face brings happiness to all.The universality of Ram’s character transcends all barriers, evident in the shower of flowers from former Muslim litigant Iqbal Ansari at Tedhibazar. He expressed that Ayodhya’s celebration is shared by all its people, and any positive transformation will benefit Ayodhya itself. The desire to see the divine forms of Ram and Sita is present in everyone. Ramesh Das, a priest from Hanuman Garhi, watched the procession with folded hands, deeply moved as he finally gazed upon the grand Ram Darbar tableau.Not just Ayodhya, but devotees from various states arrived to catch a glimpse of Ram. Many people were live-streaming the festivities to share the breathtaking scenes with family back home. Ramkaran Singh from Azamgarh commented on the stunning decorations from Lata Chowk to Ramkatha Park, noting how no one would want to miss witnessing this magnificent spectacle.As the sun set, Ayodhya and the surrounding 84 kos (approximately 252 kilometers) glowed with a divine aura. Lamps lit in temples, monasteries, ashrams, and ancient sites illuminated the grandeur of a boundless Ayodhya. For those unable to attend in person, the charm of Ayodhya’s festive beauty was accessible from afar, with millions witnessing the grand celebration on digital platforms. The magnificent Diwali at the banks of the Saryu River, where Lord Ram’s Paidi was lit up, seemed to captivate the world, as devotees everywhere celebrated his enthronement and the happiness it brought to all.
