Ayodhya decks up for 'grand' Diwali with CM's presence

Amid clamour for construction of Ram Temple through a Parliamentary legislation by saffron outfits as well as a section of the BJP leaders, Ayodhya is all set to witness a grand Diwali this year with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declaring that he would announce ''something special'' for the Temple town on this occasion.

While the walls in the town would display the tales of 'Ramayana' (the Hindu epic containing life and deeds of Lord Rama), scores of arches have also been erected to welcome the devotees and visitors from the country and abroad.

Over three lakh earthen lamps would light the town on this occasion, according to the sources.

Lord Rama, his consort Sita and Rama's brother Laxman would be arriving in the town in a chopper and would be accorded a grand welcome by the residents and devotees, who were expected to throng Ayodhya in thousands.

According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Rama had returned to Ayodhya on the day of Diwali after defeating Ravana, the demon king.

Adityanath, who would be present in Ayodhya on this occasion, would apply 'tilak' (a red mark on the forehead) just as Vashishtha, the 'guru' of Rama, had then done.

Adityanath's announcement that he has a ''special gift'' for Ayodhya this year has only added to the excitement to the residents and the saint community, which had been clamouring for the construction of the Ram Temple through a legislation by the Parliament.

The chief minister had also said that ''other options'' on the Ram Temple issue could be explored at the appropriate time.

''We hope Adityanath lends support to our demand for a law for Ram Temple construction,'' said a senior seer associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).