National: The Yogi Adityanath government is all set to host its eighth Deepotsav in Ayodhya this year, with grand and "environmentally conscious" preparations underway for the first Diwali at the newly built Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple.

The Uttar Pradesh government said it aims to create a new world record this Diwali by lighting 28 lakh lamps along the banks of the Saryu river, while special eco-friendly lamps will illuminate the Ram temple. These lamps are designed to prevent stains and soot from affecting the temple's structure and will remain lit for extended periods.

Environmental protection is also a key focus for this Deepotsav, the government said in a statement.

Special wax lamps will be used to minimise carbon emissions and protect the temple from soot damage, it said.

The Ram temple complex, which will be adorned by special floral decoration, has been divided into various sections for decoration, with each section assigned specific responsibilities, the statement said.

The overall supervision of lighting, entrance arch decorations, and thorough cleaning have been entrusted to Ashu Shukla, a retired IG from the Bihar cadre.

The temple trust aims to make Ayodhya not just a centre of religion and faith this Diwali, but also a symbol of cleanliness and environmental consciousness, the release said.

To ensure that the Deepotsav grandeur leaves a lasting impression, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has decided to keep the temple open for 'Bhavan Darshan' from October 29 to November 1 until midnight, it said.

Visitors can see the temple from Gate No 4B (luggage scanner point) to marvel at its grand decorations. This festival of lights will convey a message of faith, environmental stewardship, and beauty, making Ayodhya's Deepawali a truly global spectacle, the statement added.

Meanwhile, as the preparations for Deepotsav 2024 near completion, Professor Pratibha Goyal, Vice Chancellor of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, has mobilised a large team for the event, the government said.

Over 30,000 volunteers are decorating 55 ghats along the Saryu river with 28 lakh diyas under the guidance of more than 2,000 supervisors, coordinators, ghat in-charges, and other members, it added.