Ayodhya sets new world record with over 25 lakh diyas lit during grand deepotsav celebrations
New Delhi: Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations set a remarkable world record as more than 25 lakh earthen lamps illuminated the banks of the Sarayu river, creating a mesmerizing golden glow across the holy city. Originally aiming to light over 28 lakh diyas, organizers succeeded in lighting exactly 25,12,585 diyas, marking a new global achievement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the spectacular display, calling it "amazing, incomparable, and unimaginable," and extended congratulations to the people of Ayodhya for their devotion. "This Jyotiparva, illuminating the sacred birthplace of Ram Lalla, is filled with emotion. This radiance from Ayodhya Dham will fill every household across the country with renewed energy," the Prime Minister shared online.
The Deepotsav, showcasing Ayodhya’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, featured performances by artists from Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia, alongside a Ram Leela from Uttarakhand. Performers from various Indian states added further color to the celebrations.
“This is the first Deepotsav following the consecration of the Ram Mandir, and every effort was made to bring grandeur and divinity to the celebrations,” shared UP Minister Jaiveer Singh.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led an 'aarti' at the event and took part in a ceremonial chariot pull. As a highlight of the occasion, 18 elaborate tableaux were created by Saket Mahavidyalaya, depicting scenes from Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, including Bal Kand, Ayodhya Kand, and Sundar Kand, among others.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
