PM Modi: Historic Diwali in Ayodhya as Ram in temple after 500 years

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Diwali will be historic this year as after a 500-year wait, thousands of lamps will be lit on the festival in the temple built at the birthplace of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya .

Modi made the remarks after launching development projects worth nearly Rs 12,850 crore and extending his govt's flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. "Many of us have seen many Diwalis, but this Diwali is historic," Modi said. An idol of Ram Lalla was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple in Jan this year.

"Such an opportunity has come after 500 years... when thousands of lamps will be lit in the temple of Ram Lalla built at his birthplace in Ayodhya...This will be such a Deepawali , when our Ram has returned to his home once again. And, this time, the wait has not been of 14 years, but of 500 years," the PM added.

Legend has it that Diwali is the day Lord Ram, the eldest son of king Dashrath of Ayodhya, his wife Sita Devi and brother Lakshman returned to their homeland after 14 years in exile. The people of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with diyas (earthen lamps) and fireworks to celebrate their return.

Earlier, Modi addressed a 'Rozgar Mela' and distributed appointment letters for govt jobs to more than 51,000 people. There, he said, this will be the first Diwali when Lord Ram is seated in his grand temple in Ayodhya. He said several generations have waited for this Diwali, while many have "sacrificed their lives".