A Ramlila performance has also been scheduled for the event.
Ayodhya is set for the "Deepotsav", the town's biggest Diwali celebrations ever, which is to take place this evening. Over 1.75 lakh diyas or earthen lamps are to be lit in the event which is to be attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his entire cabinet. The chief minister, who is the head priest of the Gorakhnath temple, will also perform an aarti on the banks of the river Saryu. A Ramlila performance has also been scheduled that will go on till late and is the highlight of the three-day party.
Here are the highlights of the Deepotsav in Ayodhya:
Diwali celebrations underway at banks of Saryu river in Ayodhya
The lead actors of Ramlila, in full costume, arrived in a government chopper
Ayodhya has taught the lesson on humanity to the world: Yogi Adityanath"The government has sanctioned Rs 133 crore for Ayodhya. We are taking efforts so that Uttar Pradesh becomes tourism hub for India and the world. Ayodhya has taught the lesson on humanity to the world," Adityanath said.
Record 1.75 lakh diyas will be lit for the evening aarti by Yogi AdityanathA record 1.75 lakh diyas or earthen lamps will be lit for the evening
aarti on the river banks by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Bablu Prajapati, one of the 60 potters hired to make the earthen lamps, said: "I am just happy to have got so much business. The politics of it does not concern me.
Yogi Adityanath was happy today to offer a grand ceremonial welcome to an actor playing the Hindu god, at the start of his mega "Deepotsav" or Diwali celebrations in the temple town.
Ayodhya is being identified with Yogi Adityanath, the same way Varanasi was identified with PM Modi, says NDTV's Alok Pandey.
There will be a 22-minute laser show on Ram's journey from Ayodhya to Lanka
Yogi Adityanath arrives in Ayodhya, will take part in Diwali celebrations. Governor Ram Naik also present
Yogi Adityanath Garlands 'Ram, Lakshman' In Ayodhya
Yogi Adityanath to arrive at Ram Katha Park soon.
The actors are likely to be received by Yogi Adityanath when they land on a makeshift helipad on the banks of River Saryu.
Ramlila actors to arrive in chopper
The lead Ramlila actors, playing Ram and Sita, will arrive in a helicopter decked with flowers and dressed up to resemble the ancient Pushpak Vimana of Ramayana.