Ayodhya, Oct 23 — Preparations are in full swing to make 'Deepotsav' in Ayodhya, the holy city of Lord Ram -- a grand and historic occasion.
More than 30 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) will light up the city and its Saryu riverfront as more than 56 ghats will be lit up on the occasion, according to Uttar Pradesh government officials.
The marking of the Saryu ghats is underway after the clean-up drive.
To ensure success of the event, more than 35,000 volunteers from Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University and other affiliate universities have been assigned specific responsibilities.
Speaking about the initiative, the University's Vice-Chancellor Bijendra Singh remarked that Deepotsav is a grand celebration reflecting the radiance of Sanatan culture, faith of the masses, and their collective devotion.
He noted that following the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the idol of Lord Ram in the grand temple, the focus of entire nation and the world has now shifted to Ayodhya's grand Deepotsav.
Ahead of the Deepotsav, the district administration as well as university administration are engaged in extensive preparations for smooth and organised celebration.
Special training is being provided to volunteers across various faculties and departments on the university campus. This includes instructions on arranging earthen lamps (diyas) according to a prescribed grid, managing the oil and wicks, and ensuring that tasks are completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Emphasis is also being placed on ensuring that all arrangements align with the standards set by the Guinness World Records, so that there are no obstacles in achieving the target during the 'Deepotsav' (festival of lamps).
The university administration and the 'Deepotsav' committees are currently finalising the marking of the riverfront ghats, the allocation of lamps, and the arrangements for oil.
Around 35,000 volunteers from 30 degree colleges, 40 intermediate colleges and the university campus will be deployed to arrange and light the diyas. They will be assigned responsibilities ghat-wise and their training is underway, it said.
Volunteers will be registered online and they will also be issued identity cards carrying QR codes, photographs and deployment locations to facilitate verification and prevent duplication.
The radiant glow of these lamps will go a long way in showcasing Ayodhya's cultural heritage, spiritual identity, and the grandeur of its 'Sanatan' (ancient/eternal) traditions before the entire world.