As many as 1,71,000 earthen lamps will glow on the banks of river Saryu as the Uttar Pradesh government's plans to project the heritage of Ayodhya will be on full display when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend a mega event -- 'Deepotsav' -- in the evening.

The event will seek to create the celebratory atmosphere witnessed in Ayodhya on Lord Rama's return along with wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after victory over Ravana, as narrated in the epic Ramayana, according to officials.

A series of programmes have been scheduled to celebrate Diwali in the pilgrim town, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Awanish Awasthi said.

The 'Deepotsav' will be organised on the 'Ram Ki Paidi' where 1.71 lakh earthen lamps will be lit, he said.

Prominent buildings and ghats will be illuminated to attract tourists. The objective of the entire programme will be to promote Ayodhya, the birth place of Lord Rama, as a tourist destination, he said.

A heritage walk, a 'yatra' reminiscing the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya, and the launch of several schemes by the chief minister and other dignitaries will be part of the programme, Awasthi said.

A grand aarti of River Saryu will also be performed by Chief Minister Adityanath and Governor Ram Naik followed by a laser show.

During today's programme, Ramlila will be staged by artistes from Indonesia and Thailand.

Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma will be present on the occasion. The Union Tourism ministry has sanctioned Rs 133.70 crore for making Ayodhya a tourism hub.

To add a touch of fantasy to the event, a chopper decorated as the mythological 'Pushpak Viman', will descend on Ram Katha Park with artistes decked up to resemble Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman.

A 22-minute laser show with special sound effects on Ramayana will be the major attraction during the mega event at Ram Katha Park, Awasthi said.

"The aim of the programme is to attract tourists and showcase tourism spots and the potential of Ayodhya," he added.  -- PTI