Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik today said grand celebrations are planned for Diwali in Ayodhya this time but was not aware of the plans of the Yogi Adiyanath government to install a statue of Lord Rama on the banks of Saryu river. He said the celebrations on Diwali are intended to promote Ayodhya as a tourist place.
Ayodhya, despite being an ancient cultural and religious destination, has faced neglect and now both the state and the Central governments are trying to restore its glory and present it beautifully, Naik said while talking to reporters here.
He said the Centre has sanctioned around Rs 133 crore for making it a major tourism hub.
Noting that Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after winning a war in Lanka, Naik said the state government wants to portray the same scene.
"I believe and you can imagine that those who visit Ayodhya, whether they are domestic or foreign tourists, they all carry a wish to see Lord Rama there. We hope the government will work keeping all the aspects in mind," the governor said.
He said a presentation was made before him in Lucknow regarding the governments plan for the development of Ayodhya in order to promote tourism there.
The governor was here to attend the 39th convocation ceremony of Mahatama Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth.
