The Ayodhya district administration on Tuesday set the time limit for preparations for the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya scheduled for October 19.
All ongoing construction work must be completed in September at any cost. In two separate meetings on Deepotsav and construction work, chaired by District Magistrate Nikhil T Funde, September 30 was set as the deadline.
District Magistrate Nikhil T Funde said that for Deepotsav 2025, all implementing departments and institutions should nominate nodal officers for the works. He directed all concerned departments to prepare a detailed action plan in the next three days and submit it to the Additional District Magistrate (Nagar) and Mela Adhikari.
He directed the implementing agencies involved in construction work at the Deepotsav site, including Ram Ki Paidi, to complete the work by September 30 and ensure the removal of construction materials from the site.
While directing the concerned departments, the DM said that those with pending tender processes should begin them immediately and complete them on time. He added that works requiring joint execution by multiple departments must be carried out with mutual coordination to ensure the successful and safe conduct of Deepotsav.
Giving the date-wise schedule of Deepotsav 2025 in the meeting, Additional District Magistrate (City) and Fair Officer Yoganand Pandey said that Govatsa Dwadashi will be observed on October 17, Dhan Trayodashi on October 18, Narak Chaturdashi/Chhoti Diwali — which will feature the main Deepotsav programme — on October 19, and Deepawali on October 20.
In the meeting, discussions were held on various programmes to be organised during Deepotsav, including the tableau and procession at Saket Mahavidyalaya, the Ram Katha Park programme, Saryu Aarti, and events at Ram Ki Paidi. Officials from the Culture, Information, Tourism, Municipal Corporation, Transport, Garden, Electricity, Irrigation, Public Works, and Medical departments presented details of their preparations, responsibilities, and works in line with the action plan for the festival.
After the meeting on Deepotsav Mela 2025, the District Magistrate convened a meeting on the Parikrama/Kartik Purnima Mela 2025 and directed all concerned departments to prepare and submit action plans within five days. He further instructed the executing agencies on the Parikrama Marg to complete road and streetlight works by October 15 so that devotees do not face any inconvenience while walking.
The Additional District Magistrate (City) informed that Chaudah Kosi Parikrama/Akshay Navami will be observed on October 30, Panchkosi Parikrama/Ekadashi on November 1, and Kartik Purnima Snan/Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 5.