Diwali: PM Modi, President extend wishes; 22 lakh diyas light up Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu extended Diwali wishes to people on Sunday as nation celebrated the day with fervour. 

Narendra Modi took to Twitter to post his wishes: “Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! May this special festival bring joy, prosperity and wonderful health to everyone’s lives.”

Uttar Pradesh marked the celerbrations on Saturday night with lighting up over 22 lakh ‘diyas’ on the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya. The festivities marked the the seventh edition of the Deepotsav, setting a new world record of lighting a large number of lamps simultaneously at one place.

The 22 lakh ‘diyas’ (earthen lanterns) were 6.47 lakh more than last year. The lamps were lit by 25,000 volunteers at the 51 ghats of Ram Ki Paidi along the river.

“Ayodhya echoed with ‘Jai Shri Ram’ after the representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records who counted the lamps using drones and gave the status of world record to the city,” the release said.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended warm greetings to the entire Ayodhya and its residents. Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel and other cabinet members lit lamps and performed prayers at the banks of Saryu River.

“Cultural presentations by artists from 21 states, 11 tableaus, Ramlila performances from Russia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Nepal, and the talents of 2,500 artists from India and abroad illuminated Ayodhya,” the release said.

Diwali at IB

Amid ceasefire violations, the BSF soldiers stationed at the International Border (IB) in Arnia sector of Jammu district too marked the celebrations with Seema Jan Kalyan Samiti (SJKS).

The troops lit up diyas and candles in and around the border outpost (BoP) Vikram and offered flowers to Mata Lakshmi. “It is because of them and their security on the borders that we celebrate Diwali here. They perform their border guarding duties while living away from their homes. That is why we are safe in our homes. We reached out to them to celebrate Diwali with them,” the SJKS member said.