Diwali Celebrations In Ayodhya: A Grand Festival Of Light And Devotion

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama holds a great significance during the diwali celebration. The ceremony during the Diwali festival becomes unique and profound as the town celebrates with great devotion as it marks the return of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshman from a 14-year long exile. Ayodhya Diwali is a spectacular celebration of faith, tradition, and culture and this blog gives a complete insight to this grand festival.

Historical Significance Of Diwali: Ayodhya

अयोध्या is a place that has great historical and religious importance, aside from being a spiritual place. It is said that when Lord Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana of Lanka, returned to Ayodhya, the people were so thrilled to welcome him that they lit oil lamps, known as दीये, to illuminate the whole city. This is, as such, the origin of Diwali, popularly known as the festival of lights.

Ayodhya’s Diwali is symbolic and each diyas symbolizes how good prevails and will continue to triumph over evil by eliminating the ignorance and despair. The city takes this more seriously and prepares grand celebrations that attract pilgrims, devotees, and tourists from around the world.

How Is The Preparation Of Diwali In Ayodhya?

Several weeks in advance, the city gets ready for Diwali in every way: alight in the lights and ornamentations, rangoli everywhere. The temples of Ayodhya, especially the राम जन्मभूमि मंदिर are decorated with flowers, rangolis, and lights. Thousands arrive at these temples to perform their puja and receive boons from Lord Rama.

The local markets are filled with sweets, clothes, and decorative items. Handmade clay diyas, which are an integral part of the festival, are sold out in plenty. Homes are cleaned spotlessly, since it is believed that देवी लक्ष्मी, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, visits homes during these days.

The streets and ghats of Sarayu River undergo immense preparations in Ayodhya. The ghats are cleaned, and lightings are magnificent on the Ganges ghats. An enormous preparation is made for Deepotsav, which has now become a big event during Diwali celebrations in the last decade.

Deepotsav: Ayodhya’s Jewel In Diwali

Deepotsav in Ayodhya has earned widespread interest for several years now. It commemorates the glorious welcome Ayodhya gave to Lord Rama when he returned from exile. Organized by the government of उतार प्रदेश।, the festival comprises performances of classical dance, grand procession, and lighting of millions of diyas.

In 2023, Ayodhya created a world record by lighting over 18 lakh diyas along the banks of the सरयू नदी. That night, these innumerable lamps flickering against the sky, reflected in the still waters of the river, was just magical. It converted Ayodhya to a wonderland of light reminding everyone of Diwali as performed long ago and signifying the light above that wins darkness.

It’s not just the diyas, though. Deepotsav has another great significance called the grand Shobha Yatra. This is an enactment of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshman, and Hanuman as they go about performing the Ramayana. The shobha yatra is held along the streets and ends at the ghats where the diyas are lit.

Aarti Along The Banks Of The Sarayu River-Within The Barricades.

Another prominent activity during Diwali at Ayodhya is the Aarti of Sarayu. This is performed on the banks of the sacred Sarayu River. Thousands of devotees are present to witness this event, which takes place in the ghats. The harmonious lighting of diyas, mantras, and temple bells create a spiritual ambience.

This ritual holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, as the river is sacred in Hindu scriptures. The lighting of the confluence of water and light has to be filled with devotion to invoke the blessings of the gods, marking prosperity.

Fireworks And Feasting

As in the celebration of Diwali in other parts of India, Ayodhya’s Diwali is incomplete without fireworks. After diyas are ignited and every ritual is performed, then night glows with thumping colors as air appears to be bursting with fireworks. The fireworks are a symbol of the people of Ayodhya indicating the occasion when Lord Rama had returned to his kingdom.

Along with all these, feasting is an essential ingredient of Diwali in Ayodhya. Ladoos, barfis, jalebis, and kachoris are prepared in every household and are shared with their neighbors and relatives. Sweets that are offered to the deities are then distributed as prasad. The exchange of sweets and gifts during this festive season strengthens bonds between families and friends.

Rituals To Be Followed During Diwali

Cleaning & Decoration Of Homes

One of the first and most significant rituals of Diwali is cleaning the home. People clean and declutter their homes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Homes are decorated with vibrant rangolis, which are intricate designs made with colored powders, decorative lights, oil lamps (diyas), flowers, or rice. Doorways and windows are often adorned with torans (door hangings) made of mango leaves and marigold flowers.

The Ritual Of Lighting Diyas

Diyas, small clay lamps filled with oil, are lit in homes, temples, and public spaces during Diwali. Families light diyas in every room of the house, especially in prayer areas, windows, and balconies, as a way of inviting divine blessings.

Lakshmi Puja

On the main day of Diwali, a special puja (worship) is performed to honor Goddess Lakshmi, along with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Before the puja, a small altar is prepared, and idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are placed on it. The altar is decorated withफूल, धूप और दीया. Offerings such as sweets, fruits, and coins are placed in front of the deities.

Bhai Dooj & Govardhan Puja

भाई दूज, celebrated on the fifth and final day of Diwali, emphasizes the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, while brothers promise to protect their sisters. 

In some parts of India, the day after Diwali is dedicated to Govardhan Puja, which commemorates भगवान कृष्ण की विजय over Indra, the god of rain. Offerings of food are made to symbolize the agricultural bounty of the year, and prayers are offered for continued prosperity.

Kali Puja

Celebrating Goddess Kali: In the eastern regions of India, especially in West Bengal, काली पूजा is celebrated instead of Lakshmi Puja. Devotees worship Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil forces, during Diwali. The rituals for Kali Puja include offerings of meat, fish, and rice, along with the lighting of diyas and candles in homes and temples.

Dhanteras

धनतेरस marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, seeking blessings for good health and well-being. It is considered highly auspicious to buy gold, silver, or new utensils on Dhanteras. 

Annakoot 

On Diwali, many families prepare special dishes and offer them to deities as part of their prayers.अन्नकूट, a feast of various dishes, is prepared as an offering to Lord Krishna in the form of Govardhan Puja. In some regions, a lavish spread of food items is arranged to show gratitude for the harvest and abundance.

Diwali in Ayodhya is more than a festival, it is a celebration of faith, history, and devotion. For those looking for a destination where one could celebrate Diwali with grandness and spirituality, no place is better than Ayodhya itself. Through Ghar Mandir’s online puja bookinggain the blessings on this occasion to experience the divinity of Ayodhya.