Caste divides society while shared faith unites it, says Yogi Adityanath
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister described Ayodhya's Deepotsav as a symbol of social unity ahead of the November 7 event.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that shared faith and cultural traditions can bring people together across caste lines. According to reports by India Today and ANI, the Chief Minister cited the annual Deepotsav in Ayodhya as a living example of social harmony.
Adityanath, who is scheduled to visit Ayodhya to review preparations for the festival on November 7, stated that caste rigidity divides society. He alleged that prior to 2017, governments used caste divisions as a political tool and ignored cultural forces that unite people.
The Chief Minister said his government changed this approach by launching Deepotsav in 2017. He noted that the festival has turned the cultural legacy of Ayodhya into a celebration that includes people from all walks of life.
Adityanath said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and revered saints, various groups including religious leaders, students, sanitation workers, potters, and traders participate with equal devotion. He remarked that identity at the event is defined by participation rather than caste.
Preparations are currently underway in Ayodhya, with cleaning and decoration taking place at locations such as the banks of the Saryu River and Ram Ki Paidi. Local priest Siddharth Das told ANI that this year's celebrations are expected to be particularly grand.