Deepotsav: A Dazzling Display of Lights or a Candlelit Political Stage?
Well, well, folks! It’s that time of year again when the city of Ayodhya rolls out its first-class festival of lights—Deepotsav! This year, they’re aiming for the Guinness World Record for the number of diyas lit. We’re talking over 28 lakh! That’s approximately enough diyas to light up a small country or at least make it visible from space!
But let’s not dim the lights on the real story here. Our darling Samajwadi Party leader, Awadhesh Prasad, has shown up to steal the spotlight (and the diyas) by claiming he didn’t get an invite! Now, is that a political drama or what? According to Prasad, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not just putting the ‘light’ in ‘delight’; they’re putting the ‘politic’ in ‘politicking!’ It’s hard to ignore a festival that looks suspiciously like a grand campaign rally when you’re up against ramifications like these.
“I hope this will be a festival of brotherhood. But honestly, I’d rather just not be left in the dark!”
So here we have Awadhesh Prasad, the MP for Faizabad, fetching the world’s smallest violin for himself over a missing invitation. I mean, if his calendar was any busier, I’d suggest he hire someone to manage his festival invites too. Also, given the amount of hate mail popping up on the political stage these days, I wouldn’t blame him for being a tad sensitive about who gets to celebrate on the banks of the Saryu River!
Now on to Ayodhya’s thrilling historical backdrop—this is a holy city, after all, home to the newly inaugurated Ram Temple! Built after a Supreme Court ruling that could’ve sparked some serious theological debates over dinner, the temple is serving as the very fulcrum of India’s spiritual and political tug-of-war. Nothing like a good temple construction to light the political fire, eh?
The Festival of Lights or the Festival of Fights?
As the city preps for its biggest fest yet—the eighth edition of Deepotsav—it’s also the first Diwali since the Ram Temple’s consecration earlier this year. It’s a classic case of mixing tradition with a splash of modern electoral strategy. Celebrations of this magnitude can’t escape the political undertones—especially when it’s the BJP throwing the party. It’s almost as if they’re lighting the diyas as a bright neon sign saying, “Vote for us next time!”
Political Light-weights and Heavy-weights
And what about Awadhesh Prasad? He might as well have a petition signed by those 28 lakh diyas, demanding an invite and celebrating a unified festival that isn’t marred by divisions and political games. Personally, I can’t wait to see which MP lights more diyas—BJP or Samajwadi! Heads up, though—it’s possible that the lights may not be the only thing to go up in flames this season; political tempers often flare as brightly as those diyas!
So whether you’re lighting up your own diyas at home, sporting another viral dance on social media, or simply contemplating the myriad shades of politics—from deep orange to flickering blue—remember the key takeaway here: sometimes a festival of lights is also a festival of political insights, none of which comes gift-wrapped in righteousness. May your Diwali be bright, and may your political invites be even brighter!
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Oct 30, 2024 03:26 PM IST
The Uttar Pradesh government is poised to set a remarkable world record this Diwali by illuminating over 28 lakh diyas along the scenic banks of the Saryu River.
Samajwadi Party’s Faizabad MP, Awadhesh Prasad, voiced his concerns on Wednesday, asserting that he received no invitation to the illustrious Deepotsav event, and accused the ruling BJP of manipulating religious festivities for political gain.
“I extend my greetings to all residents of Ayodhya on this auspicious Diwali occasion. It is indeed a privilege to represent this sacred place. However, I am deeply disappointed by the BJP’s approach to our festivals, as they seem to politicize what should unite us,” Awadhesh Prasad told ANI, emphasizing that he had not been granted access to the Deepotsav celebrations.
Ayodhya, a key spiritual hub in India, is renowned for housing the newly inaugurated Ram Temple, a significant development that followed a historic Supreme Court ruling in 2019.
The Supreme Court’s decision designated the disputed land to the Hindu community while also mandating the provision of an alternative site for the construction of a mosque.
The BJP has long championed the Ram Temple movement, which has significantly shaped Indian politics since its inception in the late 1980s.
In a surprising turn of events, Awadhesh Prasad emerged victorious over BJP candidate Lallu Singh during the recent Lok Sabha elections in June, marking a significant political shift.
The Deepotsav festival is a grand celebration orchestrated by the Uttar Pradesh government, where countless diyas are traditionally lit along the banks of the Saryu River, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Initiated on Wednesday, the Deepotsav festivities featured a vibrant procession showcasing over a dozen tableaux that brought to life iconic scenes from the Ramayana, blending cultural heritage with contemporary celebration.
This year marks the eighth iteration of Deepotsav in Ayodhya, and it is especially momentous as it is the first Diwali celebration since the Ram Temple’s consecration earlier in January.
With inputs for PTI, ANI
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