Ayodhya, 16 Oct (HS):

As part of preparations for

Deepotsav 2025, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has launched a grassroots

initiative to promote women's empowerment. This festival of lights will see

nearly five lakh diyas handmade by rural women illuminate Ramnagari. The glow

of these diyas will not only enhance the divinity of Deepotsav but will also

play a significant role in empowering rural women, according to Uttar Pradesh

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh.

The Tourism Minister stated, Our

effort is to make Deepotsav not just a festival of lights but a symbol of

social and economic empowerment. Rural women are the embodiment of this effort.

He explained that under the Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay Development

Program, women were trained to make diyas. Diyas began arriving in Ayodhya on

October 15th. 5 Lakh Diyas Made After Receiving Training: Women from

villages in Gaurachar, Rampurwa, and the Bhaghar Lake area of ​​Barabanki in

Ayodhya have prepared approximately 5 lakh traditional earthen lamps in view of

Deepotsav 2025. These handmade lamps will play an important role in making the

holy city of Ayodhya even more attractive during the festival of lights. The

Tourism Department believes that this provides a significant source of

year-round income for the families involved in lamp-making.

Free stalls provided at Ramkatha Park:

During Deepotsav, free stalls are being provided to rural women at Ramkatha

Park in Ayodhya to sell their diyas and handicraft products. Through this

initiative, thousands of tourists and devotees will not only enjoy the divine

Deepotsav of Ayodhya but will also witness the rural traditions and

craftsmanship of Uttar Pradesh. The Tourism Department aims to increase the

participation and income of the local community by linking rural tourism with

this international event, so that the hard work of artisans and women from

rural backgrounds gets global recognition and appreciation.

Local talent will receive a unique identity:

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated, Deepotsav is not only

a festival of devotion and cultural faith, but it also represents rural

empowerment and the spirit of a self-reliant India. This year, we have taken

concrete steps to connect Deepotsav with rural tourism. Rural women have

handcrafted millions of diyas, which will symbolize the light of Ramnagari.

This spectacle will not only enhance the sanctity and beauty of Ayodhya, but

will also illuminate rural areas with employment, self-respect, and identity.

Our aim is to bring global recognition to the traditional art and culture of

each district of the state through tourism, so that local talent receives a

unique identity.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi