Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday that 88 diplomats from 54 countries had visited the new Ayodhya and witnessed the grand ‘Deepotsav’ in the holy city.

Speaking to ANI about the grand Deepotsav, CM Yogi said, “The country and the world have witnessed the Deepotsav of Ayodhya. Diplomats from 54 countries have come and visited the new Ayodhya. The grand ‘Deepotsav’ was part of Prime Minister Modi’s vision. The festival of Diwali is a medium for all of us to transmit positive energy. I wish everyone a very happy Diwali and pray for the well-being of the people of the state.”

The Chief Minister also said those who were not present on the occasion mentioned that they had missed the chance to come to the holy city on the festive day.

“88 diplomats from 54 countries came yesterday (to Ayodhya). Those who were not present here (Ayodhya) texted us that they had missed the chance to come to Ayodhya. Those diplomats) who were present here during Deepotsav said that they should have come with their family, it would have been more delightful,” said CM Yogi.

Earlier today, CM Yogi visited the Hanuman Garhi temple on Sunday morning and offered prayers to Lord Hanuman in Ayodhya on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. He also visited the site of Ram Lala Virajman in Ayodhya and offered prayers.

Ayodhya organised a grand Deepotsav on Saturday and illuminated over 22.23 lakh ‘Diyas’ (earthen lamps) to celebrate the festival of lights.

The temple town set a new Guinness world record by lighting over 22.23 lakh ‘Diyas’ (earthen lamps) during ‘Deepotsav 2023’ and broke its previous world record of 15.76 lakh Diyas lit last year on Diwali eve.

Artists from different countries, such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Russia, performed Ramleela at Ayodhya’s Deepotsav. The residents of Ayodhya were delighted to witness the enactment of Ramleela and the artistic expressions of artists from different countries.

The Sri Lankan artists portrayed the character of Shri Ram, while artists from Janakpur, Nepal, staged incidents from the life of Shri Ram. The Russian artists also delivered a splendid performance.

To make the event more exciting, a light and sound laser show based on the Ramayana was organised for about 20 minutes at Ram Ki Paidi during Deepotsav.

Along with the Chief Minister, Governor Anandiben Patel, foreign diplomats, and members of the Yogi cabinet attended the event.

The Chief Minister also visited the grand 3D holographic show, projection mapping, and laser show based on the Ramayana.

At the Naya Ghat, everyone, including the Chief Minister and other guests, was enthralled by the spectacular musical fireworks.

The homecoming of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman was staged at a programme organised prior to the mega event Deepotsav.

The occasion was further embellished with the showering of flower petals from a helicopter, eliciting joy throughout Ayodhya.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday visited the affected families who lost their houseboats and dwellings in a fire on Saturday. Three Bangladeshi tourists had died in the incident.

“Visited Dal (Lake), where several houseboats were ravaged by a massive fire on Saturday. Apart from extensive damage, three tourists tragically died despite the efforts of locals,” Ms Mufti posted on X.

She requested the Jammu and Kashmir administration headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to provide soft loans to the affected families so that they could rebuild their houseboats.

“Request @manojsinha_ ji to provide soft loans & other essentials necessary for houseboat owners to rebuild. Perhaps in the future moving fire stations will help to prevent such incidents,” she added.

Visited Dal where several houseboats were ravaged by a massive fire on Saturday. Apart from extensive damage, three tourists tragically died despite the efforts of locals. Request @manojsinha_ ji to provide soft loans & other essentials necessary for houseboat owners to rebuild.… pic.twitter.com/VORvOlZtFV

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) November 12, 2023

Apni Party leader Altaf Bukhari, while expressing sympathies with the affected, urged the administration to assess the losses and compensate the victims accordingly.

“Sympathies with the houseboat owners of Dal Lake who have lost property worth crores in a devastating fire mishap today. May the victims find strength in these testing times. I urge the authorities to assess the loss caused to the property and compensate the victims accordingly,” Mr Bukhari said.

A team of Apni Party leaders, including Noor Mohammad and Ashraf Mir, visited the site of the incident in the Dal Lake.

Expressing anguish over the incident, Lt Governor Sinha on Saturday said, “I am deeply pained by the loss of lives due to the unfortunate fire incident at the Dal Lake, Srinagar. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I have directed the district administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected people.” Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aijaz and senior tourism department officials visited the scene of the blaze on the Dal Lake and assured all possible help in rebuilding the damaged houseboats, the officials said.

In a tragic incident, four members of a family were stabbed to death by an unidentified assailant at Kemmannu in Udupi district on Sunday morning, police said.

According to Police, a masked man forcibly entered the house and brutally attacked Hasina (46) and her three children aged 23, 21 and 12. Another woman was seriously injured in the attack and admitted to a hospital.

Sources said the victim’s husband is working in the Gulf. Udupi District Superintendent of Police Arun Kumar visited the scene of the crime.

The motive behind the murders is yet to be known. Further investigations are on, they said.