Festival of lights Diwali is being celebrated with religious fervour in Uttar Pradesh today. yesterday the state witnessed the Grand Deepotsav on the banks of Saryu river in Ayodhya. Union Minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of state of Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries along with thousands of devotees were present at the occasion.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that this year is special and divine for Ayodhya, as the 500-year wait ended this year on January 22 and Lord Ram returned to the newly constructed temple. This is a moment for us to remember those who dedicated their entire life for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that perspective of world towards India has changed. The pace at which the nation has progressed, the whole world is looking towards India.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat offered prayers at Shri Ram temple and participated in Saryu aarti. Before Deepotsav, they also launched the tourism app and released the book written by Ayodhya Mayor. State government created a world record by lighting more than 25 lakh earthen lamps or diyas at the ghats of Saryu River in Ayodhya. More from Our correspondent:

Ayodhya city brightened up with the largest ever display of 25 Lakh 12 thousand 5 hundred 85 earthen lamps on the 55 ghats of Saryu river and created a world record yesterday evening. Thousands of volunteers lit the lamps along with the bank of Saryu River through lanes of the city and at houses. Whole city was illuminated with the lights and clourful decorations on the theme of Ramayana. This year another world record was created, in which 1,121 batuks performed the largest aarti together on the ghats of Saryu. This was 8th Deepotsav in a row at Ayodhya after Yogi Adityanath came into power but first since the consecration ceremony of lord Rama at the Ram janmabhoomi Temple. A grand drone and laser show was also organized to mark the occasion.