Adityanath Says Deepotsav Boosts Livelihoods of Potters and Labourers
UP Chief Minister highlights the festival's economic benefits for potters, farmers and small traders, urges people to support underprivileged families and local businesses.
LUCKNOW, Nov 2: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said the grand Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya are generating fresh employment and business opportunities for local artisans, farmers, labourers and small traders, while strengthening the city’s cultural and economic identity.
In a Hindi post on X, Adityanath said every earthen lamp illuminated during the celebrations represents the hard work of potters, the produce of farmers and the livelihood of local families.
He claimed that before 2017, there were no significant efforts to connect Ayodhya’s cultural heritage with the economic well-being of traditional artisans and small businesses.
The chief minister said the BJP government’s initiatives had helped transform the religious and cultural significance of the holy city into opportunities for employment and economic development.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added, the annual festival has become a platform for supporting local communities and encouraging traditional occupations.
Adityanath observed that the earthen lamps illuminating Ayodhya also bring hope and financial opportunities to families involved in their production and sale.
In a separate message on X, the chief minister invited people to visit Ayodhya and experience the grandeur of the city’s 10th edition of Deepotsav.
He also shared a letter titled ‘Yogi Kee Paati’, addressed to the people of Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the spiritual, cultural and social significance of the celebrations.
Describing Ayodhya as one of India’s seven sacred cities, Adityanath said the festival symbolises the transition from darkness to light, despair to hope and faith to progress.
He emphasised that Deepotsav is not limited to lighting earthen lamps but represents the revival of India’s ancient traditions, cultural heritage and collective identity.
Referring to the celebrations along the banks of the Saryu river, the chief minister said the rows of illuminated lamps at Ram Ki Paidi create a spectacular sight, appearing as though the Milky Way has descended upon the holy city.
He also highlighted the role of drone displays and cultural performances by artists in adding to the festival’s grandeur.
The chief minister appealed to residents to make the celebrations more meaningful by helping economically weaker families in their neighbourhoods.
He urged people to distribute earthen lamps, sweets and new clothes among underprivileged households so that everyone could participate in the festive spirit.
Adityanath also encouraged citizens to purchase traditional lamps and other products directly from local artisans, saying such support would recognise their hard work and strengthen their livelihoods.
He said celebrating the festival through acts of kindness and supporting indigenous craftsmanship reflected its true spirit.
The government’s emphasis on local artisans and small traders comes as Ayodhya’s annual Deepotsav has developed into a major cultural event, attracting visitors and showcasing the city’s religious traditions.
The celebrations also provide an opportunity for traditional workers, particularly potters, to benefit from increased demand for earthen lamps and decorative products during the festive season.
By linking cultural celebrations with local economic activity, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to promote traditional industries while creating wider participation in the city’s development.
