The First Lady of South Korea Kim Jung-sook on Tuesday evening was witness to the lighting of over 3 lakh earthen lamps on the banks of the Saryu as well as the change of name of a district: Faizabad will now be known as Ayodhya.
The grand spectacle is part of the second edition of 'Deepotsava' initiated by the state BJP government.
With the lighting up of 3,01,152 'divas', officials said, the spectacle at the ghats of the river had also entered the 'Guinness book of World Records'. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the South Korean First Lady also performed 'aarti' of the holy river as people clapped and cheered.
#WATCH: South Korean first lady Kim-Jung Sook arrives on stage at Ram Kath Park in Ayodhya, welcomed by CM Yogi Adityanath. pic.twitter.com/qhRhGSasUj
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 6, 2018
Ayodhya and South Korea have an ancient link. This link forms the cornerstone of historical and civilisational bonds between India and the Republic of Korea. @moonriver365 pic.twitter.com/YLfJuQXEBg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2018
It is a matter of immense joy and pride that Mrs. Kim Jung-sook, First Lady of the Republic of Korea visited Ayodhya and also wore traditional Indian clothing. The people of India deeply appreciate this gesture. @moonriver365 pic.twitter.com/mYUPdUlfmo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2018
The 'Ram ki Paidi' was lit up in purple, red and yellow lights and a laser show based on the life of Lord Ram was also displayed for the cheering thousands.
The Korean First Lady earlier laid the foundation stone for a Queen Hau memorial park to be built jointly by the state and the South Korean governments.
Uttar Pradesh will spend Rs 24.66 crore on the ambitious project aimed at increasing foreign footfalls in the temple town and also strengthening the cultural bonds between UP and South Korea.
A medical college will be established here in Ayodhya, I want it to be named after King Dasharatha. We will also construct an airport here named after Lord Ram: UP CM Yogi Adityanath at Ram Katha Park #Diwali pic.twitter.com/ESJX8eRQp1
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 6, 2018
Adityanath in his address announced the setting up of a medical college in Ayodhya which will be named after the erstwhile king of Ayodhya, Dashrath, and also an airport which will be named after Lord Ram.
The Chief Minister said the identity of the district of Faizabad was Lord Ram and he declared thereafter that the Faizabad district would now be known as Ayodhya.
The first lady of South Korea also welcomed the characters of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman as they alighted from a chopper for a special theatrical performance.
Ayodhya Deepostav 2018 enters Guinness Book of Record for lighting 3,01,152 earthen lamps on the eve of #Diwali.
— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) November 6, 2018
Follow live updates here: https://t.co/Kz7KPke5OW pic.twitter.com/FAH6Syf0uL
CM Yogi Adityanath and South Korean first lady Kim-Jung Sook inaugurate the Queen Huh Memorial at Queen Huh Park in Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/qbDnQQeGZW
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 6, 2018
Mrs. Kim Jung-sook, First Lady of the Republic of Korea joined the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. @moonriver365 pic.twitter.com/Zv6wbWC7Te
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 6, 2018
#WATCH: South Korean first lady Kim-Jung Sook and UP CM Yogi Adityanath perform 'Aarti' on banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya. #diwali pic.twitter.com/OVSTaHVl6C
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 6, 2018
#WATCH: Laser show in Ayodhya's Ram ki Paidi on the banks of Sarayu river, ahead of #Diwali. pic.twitter.com/j9GMeMwQog
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 5, 2018
#Deepotsav My Sandart of Lord Ram with message #JaiShreeRam 25 ft high, 50 ft wide at Ayodhya.This is the biggest Lord Ram on SandArt .#Diwali pic.twitter.com/9a98O22yZq
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) November 6, 2018
Linkages that go beyond time!
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 6, 2018
First Lady of Republic of Korea, Mrs Kim Jung-sook at the ground breaking ceremony of Queen Hur Memorial Park with @myogiadityanath in Ayodhya. Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya married King Kim-Suro, and became Queen Hur Hwang-ok in the year 48 AD. pic.twitter.com/XedR4F7XEe