Bengaluru: Ayodhya looks all decked-up for the Diwali season!

After the news development that Ayodhya would be lit-up after 5 centuries, now, artists from the Lalit Kala Academy in Lucknow have been called to showcase 25 sculptures of Lord Ram depicting different episodes from the epic Ramayana at Ayodhya during the Deepotsav on Friday, as reported by a popular website. 

The artwork of these talented artists from Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Mathura and Prayagraj are made of fibre, terracotta, and wood, it further notes. 

These would be on display at the exhibition to be organised on the occasion, and include statues based on the 'Jatayu episode' and 'construction of the bridge to Lanka'.

The entire Ayodhya city has been illuminated for the Deepotsav, with all ghats, mutts, temples and even private houses lit up.

To ensure that the coronavirus protocol is strictly followed, entry to the events has been restricted and people can watch it live on various TV channels.

Earthen lamps will be lit to illuminate Ram Janmabhoomi site in the temple town. This development comes after 500 long years.

Reports add that chief minister Yogi Adityanath will light lamps during the ‘Deepotsav’ programme in the city on 13 November.

According to Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das said: “It will be a real Diwali this year, which will celebrate the return of Lord Ram after a prolonged exile.”

State tourism minister Neelkanth Tiwari was quoted as saying thus: “If there was no coronavirus pandemic, lakhs of devotees would have participated in this programme.”

The chief minister has already directed that separate programmes should be organised daily during ‘Deepotsav 2020’, following the COVID protocols.

Around 5.51 lakh earthen lamps will also be lit at Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya. India celebrates Diwali on 14 November.