Gorakhpur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated Diwali with the Vanvasi community at Van Tangiya village, Jungle Tinkonia No. 3, in Gorakhpur, blending festivities with development as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 133 projects worth ₹49 crore. During the celebrations, he sharply criticized the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing them of denying Lord Ram’s existence and disrespecting the devotion of Ram bhakts.
“Foreign invaders once humiliated Ayodhya, but Congress governments went further by attempting to deny the existence of Lord Ram, and the SP government wounded Ram devotees with bullets. Today, the same Ayodhya stands tall—divine, prosperous, and inspiring the world,” Yogi said while addressing the gathering.
The Chief Minister, continuing his tradition for the ninth consecutive year, celebrated Diwali with the forest-dwelling Van Tangiya community. He described the grand Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025—which illuminated the holy city with over 26.17 lakh diyas—as a “symbol of prosperity, faith, and good governance.”
A Prosperous, United Ayodhya
Yogi Adityanath said that Ayodhya has become a model for development, harmony, and heritage. “Today’s Ayodhya does not divide—it unites. The airport is named after Maharshi Valmiki, the canteen after Mata Shabari, and a major intersection after singer Lata Mangeshkar. Temples dedicated to Valmiki, Vishwamitra, and other sages have been built within the Ram Mandir complex. The city truly reflects the idea of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted Ayodhya’s transformation into India’s first solar city, powered by renewable energy. “The rays of the sun light up Ayodhya today. The city has become the face of a new India and a new Uttar Pradesh. Deepotsav has become a festival symbolizing prosperity and good governance,” he added.
Empowerment and Development
Pointing to his government’s achievements, Yogi said, “Where once the Tangiya villages had no roads, electricity, schools, or houses—today they are equipped with every facility. Every home has electricity and water; every family has ration and Ayushman cards. The women here are leading self-help groups and practicing organic farming through FPOs.”
He added that the double-engine government (Centre and State) is committed to reaching the last person in society. “From the Musahar and Tharu tribes to Kol, Sahariya, Chero, and Buksa communities, our goal is to lift all marginalized groups above the poverty line,” the Chief Minister declared.
A Call for Shared Festivity
In his address, Yogi urged people to celebrate inclusively. “No one should be left behind in the joy of Diwali. Every house should be lit, and every person should receive sweets. Share happiness with at least one underprivileged family,” he said, encouraging citizens to “light a lamp in a poor man’s house and share a selfie showing that we celebrate together.”
49 Crore Development Gift for Gorakhpur
As part of the event, Yogi Adityanath inaugurated 128 development projects worth ₹32.81 crore and laid the foundation for five others worth ₹16.80 crore. The projects span infrastructure, housing, education, and public welfare sectors.
The Chief Minister also distributed symbolic gifts to beneficiaries of government schemes, including Ayushman Bharat health cards, PM Awas Yojana house keys, and certificates under horticulture and livestock development schemes.
Praise from Ministers and Lawmakers
Cabinet Minister Dr. Sanjay Nishad lauded Yogi’s governance model, saying, “Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s welfare work has inspired leaders across states. Festivals in UP are now celebrated with peace and love, not fear. Just as Lord Ram honored Nishadraj during the Treta Yuga, Yogi Ji has shown the same spirit in uplifting marginalized communities.”
MLA Bipin Singh of Gorakhpur Rural said, “Under Yogi’s leadership, neglected Tangiya villages are witnessing rapid progress.” Pipraich MLA Mahendra Pal Singh added that the CM’s initiatives have “transformed lives of those at the bottom of the social ladder.”
Exhibitions, Community Interaction, and Symbolic Rituals
After addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister visited various departmental stalls showcasing welfare schemes from departments like Women and Child Development, Agriculture, Horticulture, ODOP, Health, and Rural Livelihood Missions. He interacted with beneficiaries, performed annaprashan (first feeding ceremony) for three children, and conducted ‘Godh Bharai’ rituals for three pregnant women, blessing them with gifts.
Yogi also inaugurated the village’s Deepotsav by lighting lamps outside the home of Van Tangiya leader Ramganesh. He toured the village, interacted warmly with residents, and posed for photographs with children, who greeted him with cheer and excitement.
A Vision of Prosperity and Faith
Concluding his address, Yogi Adityanath said, “Ayodhya’s light is now illuminating the entire world. The same spirit of self-reliance and discipline should guide every village of Uttar Pradesh. Our strength lies in discipline, devotion, and dedication.”
With the day’s events blending spirituality, inclusivity, and progress, the Chief Minister’s message was clear: “A prosperous Ayodhya and an empowered Uttar Pradesh reflect the true light of Diwali.”
