Akhilesh Yadav's 'Diwali-Christmas' remark sparks controversy ahead of Ayodhya Deepotsav: 'Why spend money on diyas'

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav drew criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for his comments on spending on diyas and candles during Diwali celebrations. In an apparent reference to spending by the Uttar Pradesh government during Diwali, Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday that a lesson should be learned from places abroad where, during Christmas, the entire city remains illuminated for months. “… I don’t want to give a suggestion. But I will give one suggestion about the name of Lord Ram. In the world, at the time of Christmas, the whole city is lit up, and it stays lit up. And it continues for months. We have to learn from them,” said Akhilesh Yadav. He asked, “Why there is repeated expenditure on lamps and candles and so much thought about it? What can we expect from this government; such governments should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights…,” Akhilesh Yadav said while responding to a question on Deepotsav celebrations. Yadav on his “Diwali-Christmas” remark, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said his comments “are not only against the lamp-making Prajapati community.” Sudhanshu Trivedi said, “… I would like to say to Akhilesh Yadav and the entire country, the lighting of ‘ghee ka diya’ indicates that the country was so rich in ancient times that every house was capable enough to light ‘ghee ka diya’. We should be proud of this.” Akhilesh Yadav, you are requested to stop insulting the Hindu faith for the sake of reconciliation and vote bank politics.” “In Indian culture, lighting lamps is an age-old tradition, symbolizing light, harmony, faith and devotion. You have committed the despicable act of snatching the service of the Prajapati community, which sells Diwali lamps,” Maurya said. He demanded that Akhilesh Yadav “immediately withdraw” his statement and “apologise to Hindus”. ‘Anti-Sanatan’ UP BJP chief Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary called Yadav ‘anti-Sanatan’ labeled. In a post on X in Hindi, said, “SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s anti-Sanatan mentality has been exposed once again. The SP chief, who once tampered with Hindu customs and beliefs, now does not hesitate to criticize their festivals as well.” Congress’s reactions Congress leader Rashid Alvi said, “…The country is secular. It has not yet become a Hindu nation. No government can spend public money on religious matters.” “Neither lamps nor candles can be bought with government money. The Uttar Pradesh government claims to have lit 1,50,000 lamps. Where does the money come from? This money belongs to the public, and the Constitution prohibits its use for such purposes…,” said Rashid Alvi. “But look at the influence of the Western mindset, which makes them feel guilty. So, what happened has made the mindset of the INDI Alliance very clear, that they hate Indian culture, Hinduism and the prosperity of the Prajapati community…” Ayodhya’s Big Deepotsav Celebrations Ayodhya is set to celebrate Deepotsav of Sunday (Oepotsav) of the home of Sunday (Oepotsav) Ram. The big Deepotsav festivals are scheduled to starting at 17:00 and will continue until 20:00 on Sunday, October 19. The aarti ceremony, with 2,100 performers, is expected to set a new world record. According to ANI, a record 26,11,101 lamps will illuminate Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, creating a divine spectacle that will not only dazzle the eyes but also fill hearts with devotion to Lord Shri Ram. After the lighting of lamps there will be be a light and sound show, culminating in a fireworks display. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi will participate in the Deepotsav to be held at Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of Saryu river on Sunday evening. He greeted saints and mahants in Ayodhya before the celebrations. The Deepotsav, held under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, is now a symbol of faith, unity and commitment. This continues to strengthen Ayodhya’s identity as a global hub of spirituality and tourism, ANI reported. Diwali, also called Deepavali, marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. During this exile, Mata Sita was abducted by Ravana, leading to the ultimate struggle and triumph of good over evil. The festival of lights is a celebration of that triumph. People prepare by cleaning their homes and minds. Ritual baths, lighting of diyas, decorating with rangolis and flowers, and the sharing of wishes are all central to the celebrations.