Diwali Celebrations in Ayodhya Spark Controversy

During the Diwali celebration in Ayodhya, an impressive 2.5 million lamps were lit, and 1100 saints performed a collective Aarti, setting two new world records. However, the aftermath revealed concerning images of wasted oil, with many lamps left unlit. Critics, primarily from the opposition, interpreted this event as a reflection of the BJP's Hindutva politics, questioning whether the poor were intentionally prevented from collecting oil this year, unlike in previous years where they gathered oil from the lamps. This absence of scenes showing the poor collecting oil has prompted accusations that the government's policies are anti-poor. The symbolic implications of this event suggest that while grand celebrations may take place, significant underlying issues related to socioeconomic disparities cannot and should not be overlooked. Furthermore, social media has shown videos highlighting the oil wastage, leading to broader dissatisfaction. A local leader, Ajay Rai, emphasized the importance of faith during the festival, promoting the idea that a single lamp can suffice for worship. The contrast between previous years, where many impoverished individuals appeared collecting oil at the ghats, and the current situation raises further questions about inclusivity and resource management during such significant events.