Ayodhya. Deepotsav-2026 became a memorable experience for Paul and his friend Shelby, who heard the glory of Ayodhya in Chicago, America. Both the American friends who reached Ramnagari participated in Saryu Aarti and celebrated by lighting lamps with the local people at Ram ki Paidi. By being a part of the Deepotsav in the same city of Ayodhya, about which he had heard in his country, he got to know closely about its faith, culture and traditions.
Paul told that his parents often spoke about the religious and historical importance of Ayodhya. Hearing the glory of Ramnagari from him, a desire to see this holy city arose in his mind. This time after reaching Ayodhya, he got the opportunity to see and experience those things with his own eyes. He said that till now he had only heard about Ayodhya, but after coming here he felt its grandeur and spiritual atmosphere.
At the same time, Shelbe told that her friends had praised Ayodhya a lot. After hearing about the ancient history and religious importance of Ramnagari, he also wanted to come here. After this he decided to come to Ayodhya with his friend Paul.
Participate in Saryu Aarti and light lamps
The special attraction of the visit of both the friends was Saryu Aarti. After attending the Aarti, he reached Ram Ki Paidi, where he shared the joy of Diwali by lighting lamps with the local people. During this time he closely experienced Indian culture and religious traditions. The things he heard about Ayodhya in America became a living experience for him after coming here.
Paul and Shelby told that they had also received information about the Deepotsav of Ayodhya in America. He had heard that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is an ardent devotee of Lord Shri Ram and he has played a major role in giving a grand look to the Deepotsav in Ayodhya. The curiosity to see this event celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Shri Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile also became the reason for his visit.
Shelby described the historical and religious importance of Ayodhya as the main attraction of his visit. For Paul, what he heard from his parents turned into experience by coming here, while Shelby reached Ramnagari on the basis of information received from friends. Both the friends, who knew the glory of Ayodhya through different mediums, took part in the festival of lights together. For them, this time Ayodhya was not just a heard name but became a memorable journey related to faith, culture and belonging.