WATCH: 'Lord Ram Is In Ayodhya's DNA,' says PM Modi as he inaugurates Diwali Fest

Ayodhya: The famous slogan of his Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is an inspiration from Lord Ram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Ayodhya on Sunday, adding that his ideals are a beacon of light for people aspiring for a developed India in the next 25 years.

While inaugurating the Diwali celebrations christened `Deepotsav’ at Ayodhya, the PM said that there was a time when people used to skip talking about our culture and Lord Ram.

Lashing out at his political opponents, Prime Minister Modi said that gone are the days when the existence of Lord Ram was questioned in this country. He said that as a result of these things, the religious and cultural identity of this country was forgotten. In addition, PM Modi on Sunday said that Lord Ram is in Ayodhya's DNA.

This is the sixth edition of Deepotsav at Ayodhya and the first one to have been attended by the PM himself. On this occasion, he also performed Puja at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and performed Aarti at the Saryu riverbank. This is his first visit to Ayodhya after a “bhoomi pujan” for the construction of a Ram temple on August 5, 2020.

Local officials also briefed the PM on the construction going on for a grand Ram temple at the site. On Sunday, PM also performed a symbolic coronation of Lord Ram.

While addressing a gathering at the Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya, PM said, “I am happy that people of Ayodhya, entire UP and world are witnessing this event. As we are celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava’, the determination like Lord Ram will take the country to new heights."

PM said that this year’s Diwali is being celebrated in the 75th year of India’s independence, as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava. The values, thoughts and ideals of Lord Ram would take country to new heights, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that people with vested interests had made Ayodhya a deserted place, but now, it is shining and glittering with lights.

Earlier on the eve of Diwali, Ayodhya made a record of lighting 15.76 lakh earthen lamps together at the Saryu bank. This has made a world record of number of lamps lit together at one place.

On this occasion, a troop from Russia performed Ram Lila in Ayodhya, while six different Jhankis were displayed on the life and times of Lord Ram at various places in the city.