Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on the eve of Diwali on Sunday to have "darshan" and perform a "puja" at the Ram temple. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will accompany Prime Minister during his four-hour stay in the city.
Modi will also inspect the construction site of a grand Ram temple and later, perform a symbolic coronation of Lord Ram, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
At around 6.30 pm, the prime minister will witness the "aarti" on the banks of the Saryu river, which will be followed by the launch of the grand "Deepotsav" celebrations by him, the statement said.
PM Modi will be received by CM Yogi around 4 pm. Both PM Modi and CM Yogi will visit the Ram Temple construction site and inspect the ongoing construction work. They will also offer prayers in the under-construction Ram Temple.
Around 7 pm, PM Modi will witness the Deepotsav program, and take an overview of green and digital fireworks. PM Modi will leave from Ayodhya around 8 pm.
The sixth edition of Deepotsav is being held this year and it is for the first time that Modi will be participating in the celebrations. More than 15 lakh "diyas" (earthen lamps) will be lit on the occasion.
Five animated tableaux and 11 Ramlila tableaux showcasing various dance forms from different states will also be prepared during Deepotsav.
Modi will also witness a 3-D "holographic projection mapping show" at Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of the Saryu, along with a grand musical laser show, the PMO said.
Tight security ahead of PM Modi's visit
Tight security arrangements are being put in place for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ayodhya on Sunday. International guests, diplomats, Union Ministers and celebrities are expected to join the Deepotsav festivities on Sunday (today).
Key events will be organised at the Ram Katha Park. Modi is expected to spend more than four hours in Ayodhya.
Security details around Saket Inter College, Ram Katha Park and Ram Ki Paidi were being reviewed to plug the loopholes.
Elaborate arrangements are being made to regulate traffic and the route from Saket Inter College, where Modi is scheduled to arrive in a helicopter. The entire area will remain out of bounds for motorists.
Shopkeepers in Ayodhya have met senior administrative and police officials to discuss their concerns and find out a solution to continue their daily business.
Nand Kumar Gupta, president of the Ayodhya Vyapar Mandal, said, "The vendors and traders having shops at places where events are scheduled will be unable to carry on with usual business on Sunday which also happens to be Diwali eve. We all want Deepotsav to be grand in size and will extend total support for the preparations. But till October 23, we need to be given space and opportunity to conduct business as the festival season is time for business."
An SPG team has already arrived in Ayodhya to oversee security arrangements.
As the Prime Minister is expected to visit the under-construction Ram temple, the administration has taken a decision to put up 1.25 lakh diyas around the Ram Janmabhoomi complex to welcome the guests.
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