Uttar Pradesh

• 30 Oct 2024

Ayodhya Deepotsav 2024

Why in News?

Recently, preparations for the 8^th Deepotsav in Ayodhya have intensified under Chief Minister’s guidance to make this year's event the grandest one.

Key Points

• A total of 18 tableaux depicting pivotal moments in Lord Ram’s life will be displayed, symbolizing Ayodhya's deep cultural heritage.
  • Key events such as his marriage, exile, and victory over Ravana will be represented.
• The Information Department is creating 11 tableaux, while the Tourism Department is crafting seven, focusing on the seven chapters of the Ram Charit Manas, such as Bal Kand and Lanka Kand.
• Ayodhya will be illuminated extensively, with diverse lighting enhancing the city’s festive spirit.

Ramlila (North India)

• Ramlila, literally “Rama‟s play” is a performance of Ramayana epic in a series of scenes that include song, narration, recital and dialogue.
• It recalls the battle between Rama and Ravana and consists of a series of dialogues between gods, sages and the faithful.
• It is performed across northern India during the festival of Dussehra.
• The most representative Ramlilas are those of Ayodhya, Ramnagar and Benares, Vrindavan, Almora, Sattna and Madhubani.
• This staging of the Ramayana is based on the Ramcharitmanas which was composed by Tulsidas in the 16^th century AD.

Green Ayodhya Fund Initiative

Why in News?

Recently, Ayodhya introduced the Green Ayodhya Fund to drive sustainable urban development and environmental conservation.

Key Points

• Objective:
  • The fund aims to promote eco-friendly initiatives, sustainable urban planning, and conservation efforts to create a greener Ayodhya.
    • It supports projects on waste management, renewable energy, urban greenery, and pollution reduction, aligning with environmental goals for sustainable urban landscapes.
• Public Involvement:
  • The fund encourages community participation and donations to support initiatives, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in environmental conservation.

Ram Temple

• Traditional Architecture and Construction:
  • This is a 3-storey temple, built in the traditional Nagara style, standing tall with pink sandstone from Mirzapur and the hills of Bansi-Paharpur (Rajasthan).
  • Temple covers an expansive 71 acres, showcasing the architectural marvel.
• Temple Dimensions:
  • Spanning 250 feet in width and 161 feet in height, the main temple area covers 2.67 acres, boasting 390 pillars, 46 doorways, and 5 mandaps.
• Unique Features Inside:
  • The main Garbh Griha holds the idols of Ram Lalla, accompanied by multiple mandaps, including Rang Mandap & Nritya Mandap.
• Innovative Anointment Tradition:
  • On every Ram Navami at noon, a system of mirrors and lenses will focus the sun's rays on Ram Lalla’s idol. This unique anointment requires no electricity, utilizing brass instead of iron or steel.
• Sculptor's Contribution:
  • The idol of five-year-old Ram Lalla, crafted by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj, stands at 51 inches and was consecrated in a special ceremony.
• Durability and Symbolism:
  • No iron has been used in the temple's construction, designed to endure for at least a millennium.