PM Modi says Diwali 2024 is special because it is “for the first time in 500 years…”

Diwali 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Diwali, the “festival of lights”, is “special” as for the first time in 500 years, Lord Ram, also known as Ram Lalla, will celebrate the festival at the Ayodhya temple.

“I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the citizens of Dhanteras. In just two days we will also celebrate Diwali and this year's Diwali is very special. After 500 years, Lord Ram sits in his grand temple in Ayodhya and this will be the first Diwali to be celebrated with him in his magnificent temple. We are all very lucky to witness such a special and magnificent Diwali,” Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi addressed the youth at Rozgar Mela where he virtually distributed over 51,000 appointment letters.

2024 marks the first Diwali festival for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya after it was inaugurated in January 2024. The temple was built after the Supreme Court paved the way for its construction following the years-long Gyanvapi case. The Supreme Court had also directed the government to provide a significant piece of land in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque.

“Special” and eco-friendly Diwali

The Yogi-Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh is all set for Ram temple's 'special' Diwali festival. For what is expected to be an eco-friendly and magnificent Diwali, the state government announced to light 28 lakh lamps along the banks of Saryu River.

“Environmental protection is also the focus of this Deepotsav. Special wax lamps will be used to minimize carbon emissions and protect the temple from soot damage,” the UP government said in its recent statement. These lamps remain illuminated for a long period of time and do not affect the structure of the Ayodhya temple.

The UP government wants to set a world record with the Ayodhya Diwali celebrations, the statement said.