PM Modi says Diwali 2024 is special because ‘for the first time in 500 years…’

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

“I warmly greet all the citizens on Dhanteras. In just two days we will also celebrate Diwali and this year’s Diwali is extra special. After 500 years Lord Ram is sitting in his great temple in Ayodhya and this will be the first Diwali to be celebrated with him in his magnificent temple, we are all very fortunate to witness such a special and magnificent Diwali,” Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi addressed the youth at the 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 cleared the way for its construction following the years-long Gyanvapi case. The Supreme Court had also asked the government to make available a substantial piece of land in Ayodhya for setting up a mosque.

‘Special’ and eco-friendly Diwali

The Yogi-Adityanath led government in Uttar Pradesh is all set for the ‘special’ Diwali festival at the Ram temple. In what is expected to be an eco-friendly and grand Diwali, the state government said it will light 28 lakh lamps along the banks of the Saryu river.

“Environmental protection is also a central focus for 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 latest statement. These lamps will remain lit for longer periods and do not affect the structure of the Ayodhya temple.

With the Ayodhya Diwali celebrations, the UP government aims to break a world record, the release said.