Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh government, on Thursday (October 17), said that chief minister Yogi Adityanath is all set to grace the Deepotsav (a festival of lamps) celebrations on October 26 in Ayodhya, where more than 5.50 lakh earthen lamps will be lit a day ahead of Diwali.

Along with the state chief minister, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Union minister Pralhad Joshi among others will attend the "Deepotsav" event.

According to the state government, a list for foreign dignitaries will be announced in a couple of days.

Earlier, chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh government, RK Tiwari had spoken about the preparations being made in Ayodhya for the auspicious occasion.

"Administrative officials have taken stock of all the places where celebrations are to take place. On 'Deepotsav', more than 5.5 lakhs earthen lamps will be lit in Ayodhya. This will be historic as it will involve huge public participation," Tiwari said.

Tiwari also added that out of 5.50 lakh lamps, around 4 lakh would be lit at Ram Paidi, while others will be lit at other religious places in the city.

The state chief secretary, principal secretary Avnish Awasthi and director general of police OP Singh on Tuesday, visited the city to take stock of the ongoing preparations.

Apart from meeting saints at Tulsi Smarak, the officials also visited Ram Paidi and Ram Katha Park to assess security preparations.

In 2018, Ayodhya broke a Guinness World Record by lighting more than three lakh earthen lamps and keeping them lit for at least 45 minutes on the banks of river Saryu as part of the annual celebration of Diwali.

Ever since taking over as the chief minister of the state in 2017, Adityanath has increased the scale of Deepotsav and has presided over the celebrations each time. In 2018, South Korea's first lady Kim Jung-Sook was invited as the chief guest.

Previous celebrations under the BJP state government have featured the illumination of various temples and monuments, street lighting, 'Shobha Yatras' of various overseas Ramlila performances, a maha aarti at the ghats of Saryu, light-and-sound fireworks show on the river and lighting of thousands of earthen lamps.