A mood of celebration and happiness has set in the Nepali city of Janakpur, which is historically and religiously connected with Ayodhya, for the first Diwali celebration since the 'Pran Pratistha' event of the iconic Ram Temple in the north Indian city.

Vibrant lights and decorations have adorned the historic Nepali city as a part of the festival.

Locals are also engaged in shopping as a part of the religious revelry.

In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Mahanth Ram Roshan Das expressed the significance of this year’s Deepotsav.

He told news agency, “On January 22 the Pran Pratistha of the Ram Lala temple was successfully done, it was the dream come true for all the Hindus across the world – all the Sanatanis. In the temple where Rama Lala is seated, for the first time, the Deepotsav is approaching near; it won’t be a normal Deepotsav because along with the Kishori (Sita), Ram Ji also will be decorated."

"Laxmi in the form of Kishori Ji and Bishnu Ji in the form of Ram Lala, it is the first Deepotsav after his home is built, it indeed is a matter of pride and joy for us," he said.

According to reports, authorities are planning to light   25 lakh diyas along the banks of the Sarayu River during Deepotsav-2024 on Oct 30.

Hindu community members across the globe will observe Diwali on Thursday.

Amar Nath Gupta, a resident of Janakpur, told ANI, “For the first time after the Pran Pratistha of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and Janakpur is Sasural of (Lord) Ram, excitement is high amongst the people of Janakpurdham as we are celebrating the first Deepawali after the ascension of Lord Ram."

"To mark the occasion, we have made preparations- we have done painting in various locations, constructions are being made and on the day of Deepawali, we have plans to brim the city with lights. This year’s Deepawali truly will be something to be remembered for a lifetime," Gupta said.