AP PHOTOS: Ayodhya in northern India celebrates the night before Diwali with pomp and pageantry

AYODHYA, India -- A leader stands pinch folded hands praying toward nan rising sun connected nan banks of nan Saryu River successful Ayodhya successful nan bluish Indian authorities of Uttar Pradesh. Nearby, a group of women takes a dip successful nan stream dressed successful their saris while a barber trims nan mustache of a shirtless man connected nan bank.

Similar scenes person played retired astatine this spot for hundreds of years. Ayodhya is an ancient metropolis that Hindus judge was nan birthplace of their beloved deity Lord Rama.

It’s early greeting connected Wednesday, Oct. 30, nan time earlier Diwali, nan biggest of nan Hindu festivals.

According to nan Hindu epic Ramayana, erstwhile Rama retuned location to Ayodhya aft 14 years successful exile pinch his woman Sita and relative Laxmana, its citizens lit lamps to invited them. Diwali, which intends an array of lights, celebrates Rama’s homecoming. It besides symbolizes nan triumph of bully complete evil.

Millions of Hindus crossed nan state ray their homes pinch lipid lamps aliases festive electrical lights connected nan new-moon day. They administer sweets, burst firecrackers and shop for golden and family appliances during nan five-day festivities, pinch Diwali connected nan 3rd day.

What was erstwhile a backstage ceremony pinch family and friends is progressively public, and it is obscurity much evident than successful Ayodhya.

Since 2017, nan Uttar Pradesh authorities government has organized Deepotsav, a ceremony that includes drones and laser lights, connected nan eve of Diwali successful Ayodhya.

Last year, 2.2 cardinal lipid lamps were lit connected nan banks of nan Saryu River, mounting a Guinness World Record. This year, nan authorities collapsed its ain grounds by lighting 2.51 cardinal lamps.

Actors playing Rama, Sita and Laxmana were brought successful by helicopter. They stood connected a carpeted unfastened area while nan state’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and different elder officials offered prayers. During nan ceremony, different chopper showered flower petals connected them. People watched a laser show arsenic they stood among nan rows of burning lipid lamps, signaling nan acquisition connected their phones.