Temple built on the lines of Ram Mandir under construction in Delhi

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with his wife Sunita Kejriwal and cabinet ministers performed Diwali puja on the stage at Thyagaraj Stadium, which was built on the lines of the Ram temple under construction in Ayodhya.

A 30-feet high and 80-feet wide symbolic replica of Ayodhya’s Ram temple was specially designed for the ‘Delhi ki Diwali’ celebrations at the Tyagaraja Stadium. Chief Minister Kejriwal along with his wife Sunita performed the puja and rituals amidst chants by Acharya Shrikant Shastri, the chief priest of the Jhandewalan temple.

“Chief Minister Kejriwal along with his wife Sunita Kejriwal led the Diwali Puja and prayed for peace and prosperity for the people of Delhi as well as for the people of India,” the Delhi government said in a statement issued after the ceremony. Delhi government’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and cabinet ministers Satyendar Jain, Rajendra Pal Gautam, Imran Hussain, Kailash Gehlot and Gopal Rai and Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goyal also gathered on a grand stage to perform Diwali Puja. During this, their wives were also present with them.

The puja began with a dance performance on Ganesh Vandana by renowned classical dancer Geeta Chandran. Priest Shastri started the worship and said, ‘The entire Ayodhya city has now come to Delhi, so let’s now pray and welcome Lord Ram.’ After the completion of more than 30 minutes long Diwali Puja, famous bhajan singer Anuradha Paudwal and her daughter Kavita Paudwal performed Mahalaxmi Aarti.

Cultural programs were organized in the ceremony, where an ‘animated film’ made on Ramayana was screened. A large screen was installed behind the replica of the Ram temple to show the film. It is noteworthy that the Aam Aadmi Party is going to contest the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. In this connection, many leaders of AAP including Kejriwal have visited Ayodhya.