- UP CM contrasts Ayodhya of a decade ago with its present grandeur; credits PM Modi’s leadership and devotees’ faith for the city’s renewed identity
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday highlighted Ayodhya’s transformation over the past decade, contrasting the city’s troubled past with its present cultural vibrancy during Diwali celebrations. He said places where batons were once used against devotees are now illuminated with millions of earthen lamps, reflecting the city’s renewed identity and development.
Addressing saints at Karsewakpuram during the Deepotsav Milan ceremony, Yogi said the transformation of Ayodhya had filled people with immense joy and enthusiasm.
Ayodhya’s Name Now Evokes Devotion Across the World
The Chief Minister said that a decade ago, the mention of Ayodhya was not viewed favourably in many parts of the country and the world. Today, he said, the city’s name evokes devotion and reverence among people. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the transformation and also acknowledged the contribution of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad international working president Ashok Singhal to the Ram Mandir movement.
Yogi said the city’s development had replaced symbols of past conflict with progress and celebration. “In the very streets where bullets were once fired, development is thriving today. Where lathis were once charged against devotees on the ghats of River Saryu, millions of earthen lamps are illuminated today,” he said.
Festivals Must Bring Happiness to the Underprivileged
The Chief Minister emphasised that the real significance of festivals lies in sharing happiness with the poor, marginalised and disadvantaged sections of society. He said people he met during the celebrations were deeply emotional and delighted by Ayodhya’s new identity. According to him, the city could have received this recognition much earlier, including after Independence or the adoption of the Constitution.
Earlier, Yogi extended Diwali greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh, describing the festival as a heritage spanning thousands of years and a source of inspiration for happiness, prosperity and good governance.
Saints’ Tradition Reflects Devotion to Lord Rama
During his visit to Karsewakpuram, Yogi met saints and sought blessings from Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. In a post on X, he described Ayodhya’s saintly tradition as a living expression of austerity, renunciation and devotion to Lord Rama. Ayodhya celebrated the 10th edition of Deepotsav on Saturday, with lakhs of devotees and visitors witnessing millions of diyas illuminating 56 ghats along the Saryu River.
