'Ayodhya Now Welcomes Devotees With Flowers, Not Bullets': UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Ayodhya: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, said that Ayodhya has transitioned into a global symbol of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ in the recent years from the one where once "Ram devotees faced bullets and lathi-charges." Speaking at a public event in Ram Katha Park marking two years of the current Municipal Corporation, Yogi Adityanath added: "Today, they are welcomed with flower showers and served pure RO water.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated his 53rd birthday in Ayodhya, marking the occasion with deep spiritual and religious significance. He visited the sacred city, offering prayers and performing aarti at the Shri Ram Lalla temple. The Chief Minister's visit began with a stop at the Hanumangarhi temple, where he offered prayers to Lord Hanuman, followed by puja and aarti at the Shri Ram Lalla temple.

CM Yogi actively participated in the Pran Pratishtha ceremonies at several temples, including the consecration of the Ram Darbar on the first floor of the Ram temple. The Vedic rituals included the consecration of idols of Lord Ram, Mata Janaki, Bharat, Lakshman, Shatrughna, and Hanuman, all crafted from pristine white marble.

Marking World Environment Day, Yogi Adityanath highlighted the importance of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, urging citizens to plant trees in their mother's name to combat environmental crisis. He announced a large-scale tree plantation drive by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the rejuvenation of at least one river in every district.