Ayodhya (UP): After the grand Deepotsav, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday visited Hanuman Garhi, offering prayers to Lord Hanuman.
Following his darshan and puja, he proceeded to Shri Ramjanmabhoomi, where he prayed before Lord Ram Lalla, seeking blessings for the happiness and well-being of the people.
Subsequently, the CM visited Ayodhya's Mirapur Bulandi Dalit Basti, where he distributed sweets and clothes to Dalit women and handed chocolates to delighted children.
Speaking to the media, Yogi extended Deepawali greetings to the citizens. He reflected on the festival's significance, recalling how Ayodhya was illuminated with diyas upon Lord Shri Ram’s return from a 14-year exile in the Treta Yuga.
He said, "This Deepawali is especially meaningful as, after 500 years, Lord Shri Ram is now seated in his abode, blessing us from his grand and divine temple."
The CM emphasised that the festival imparts the message of spreading the light of knowledge, faith, and education through each illuminated lamp.
He expressed his hope that the festival would bring joy, enthusiasm, and prosperity to the state's people and all followers of Sanatan Dharma.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Deepawali with sweets in the Scheduled Caste community, alongside the grand Deepotsav in Ayodhya.
After the Deepawali Milan program in the Dalit colony, the CM visited Karsevak Puram to meet Ayodhya’s saints. He thanked them for their support in organising Deepotsav and extended Deepawali greetings.
Reflecting on Ayodhya’s iconic Deepotsav, he highlighted its global recognition as a cultural emblem of India. "With the blessings of the RSS leadership and revered saints, Ram Lalla is now enshrined in the magnificent Ram temple," he said.
He said that the government has fulfilled the wishes of Ayodhya’s citizens and saints, and everyone now must uphold this legacy. "This is no time for complacency. We must stand united, beyond caste, belief, language, or religion; division will only weaken us," he said.
The CM affirmed that Bajrangbali’s mace will protect Sanatan Dharma and that any threats to India’s ethos will be firmly confronted. "India’s strength is intertwined with Sanatan Dharma. Our true identity lies in our commitment to service, not in mere words," he said.
He also paid tribute to those who dedicated their lives to the Ram temple cause.
During his visit, Yogi met Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust President Nritya Gopal Das Maharaj at Mani Ram Das Chhavani, conveying his well wishes.
He also visited Digambar Akhara to meet Suresh Das Ji Maharaj and greeted Kishore Das Ji Maharaj at Bada Bhakt Mall, where he was honoured with a shawl. Mahant Awadhesh Das and other saints were also present during this time.
After completing the two-day program of Ayodhya, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath left for Gorakhpur.