Ayodhya is elegantly adorned in preparation for Diwali, one of Hinduism’s most celebrated festivals worldwide, marking Lord Ram’s return after 14 years in exile. This year holds special significance for Ayodhya, as it will host its first Diwali festivities since the consecration of the new Ram Mandir.
In its eighth year, the Uttar Pradesh government plans to celebrate 'Deepotsav' by illuminating Ayodhya with 2.5 to 2.8 million diyas, aiming to set a world record. The Yogi Adityanath administration emphasized that Diwali celebrations will consider environmental impacts, with eco-friendly lamps lighting up the majestic Ram Temple.
However, while the nation embraces the festive spirit and Ayodhya prepares for Diwali at the Ram Temple, opposition arises not from Ravana, but from 'conscientious environmentalists' and 'secular critics' poised to criticize the celebration through social media.
Sarayu River in Ayodhya is all set to be festooned with lamps to celebrate Diwali (Image Source: ABP News)
Recently, a WhatsApp group of these activists has been buzzing with activity, with members hosting gatherings in their homes, discussing issues like societal "polarization," often following this with misleading posts targeting Hindu traditions. They even gathered at an upscale seafood restaurant in Khan Market to discuss strategies to oppose the Diwali celebrations, citing pollution, animal welfare, and criticisms of the Yogi Adityanath and Modi governments.
A prominent 'journalist,' known online as "parking lot," tweeted a day after Diwali, “Modi’s new India splurges on Diwali while it struggles to feed its population,” referring to the Global Hunger Index ranking India 105th out of 127 countries, despite India’s generosity in providing food aid to other nations.
His wife, a YouTuber, joined the campaign, suggesting the Ayodhya celebrations highlighted the plight of poor children scavenging for oil from diyas to bring home to their families. Another member, recently back from a scholarship program in the U.S., gave the story a different angle, criticizing the celebrations in Ayodhya as a reminder of Muslim marginalization in India, using a contrasting image of a brightly lit Ram Temple with a Muslim family struggling without electricity.
A leftist psephologist, known for his opinions on various issues, tweeted sarcastically, “Imagine the audacity, celebrating Diwali with actual lamps! Do they not know the carbon footprint of all those diyas?” showing Ayodhya as a smog-filled scene. A witty X user responded, “Today, Duggal Saab is an environmentalist.”
Articles criticizing the Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya began appearing in publications, spreading like mushrooms after a rainstorm. ‘Yogi Adityanath govt plunges Ayodhya in environmental catastrophe’ was the title of an article that argued about the violation of animal rights. “Doesn’t lighting so many lamps infringe on the rights of nocturnal animals? Think of the owls, they must be so triggered by all this light!” it contended.
Meanwhile, a video by a well-known YouTuber from Germany discussed how the Diwali celebration served as a clear example of cultural appropriation. “I mean, Diwali isn’t just about lights, it’s about inclusivity. Where’s the inclusivity for the light-sensitive community? Was there a sincere attempt undertaken to seek permission from the environment before lighting up those diyas? And don’t even get me started on the trauma felt by fishes and crocodiles living in the Saryu River,” The YouTuber mused, subtly encouraging his followers to start a petition against this blatant misconduct.
“What? We are lighting up Ayodhya with diyas, but what about those who love darkness? Don’t they have the right to enjoy darkness? Isn’t this a gross undermining of the Indian constitution?” said a Radio Jockey, claiming to speak up for those who embrace the darkness.
Regarding the Yogi Adityanath administration's choice to use eco-friendly lamps in place of traditional diyas, an 'environmental activist' tweeted, “But what about the cultural authenticity?” They contended that the government has let down everyone—Hindus, environmentalists, minorities, animals, and others—without providing any explanation for this decision.
A self-proclaimed "journalist," facing plagiarism accusations for her columns in an American newspaper and under investigation for committing fraud related to donations in India, shared a news report about a thief caught in the act of stealing valuables from a house in Ayodhya. The "journalist" asserted that the arrest of the thief, identified as Abdul, on Diwali was yet another setback for the nation’s secular credentials under the Modi government. “Now needy Muslims in India can not even steal from the privileged ones. This is what India has been turned into in the last 10 years of rule. This is the fascism we are living under,” she tweeted.
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