'No Malevolent Gaze': CM Yogi's Powerful Vow While Celebrating Diwali in Ayodhya
CM Yogi Adityanath celebrates Diwali with the Nishad community in Ayodhya, vowing that no malevolent gaze will ever tarnish the city again.
In a gesture blending spiritual tradition with a strong political message, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated Diwali 2026 with the Nishad community in Ayodhya. The visit was marked by warmth and festive cheer, but it also carried a stern warning against those who might seek to disturb the peace of the holy city.
Celebrating with the Nishad Community
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spent his Sunday interacting with local residents and children at the Nishad settlement. Breaking formal barriers, the CM was seen clicking selfies with the locals and distributing sweets and Diwali gifts, bringing the festive spirit directly to the doorsteps of the community.
The visit held deep cultural significance. In the epic Ramayana, Kevat, the boatman from the Nishad community, played a pivotal role by ferrying Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana across the Ganga during their exile. This act is revered as a timeless symbol of humility, devotion, and complete surrender.
A Firm Resolve for Ayodhya's Future
While the atmosphere was celebratory, the Chief Minister used the occasion to call for a "firm resolve" regarding the security and sanctity of Ayodhya Dham. Addressing the gathering, he asserted that the city must be protected from any forces that wish to diminish its glory.
"I have come to wish you a happy Diwali, but we must make one firm resolve—a resolve that, in the days to come, no malevolent gaze, no 'Manthra' or 'Maricha', ever falls upon our Ayodhya. It must be our firm resolve that no such evil eye, seeking to plunder the splendour of Ayodhya or tarnish its name once again, is ever cast upon Ayodhya Dham," CM Yogi declared.
Taking a hard line against future violence, the CM further stated that the days of devotees being targeted are over. He emphasized that bullets would no longer be fired at the devotees of Lord Ram, and no one would be allowed to use sticks or batons against those chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' in the city.
Echoes of Devotion
The sentiment of the visit was echoed by Delhi Minister Ashish Sood, who highlighted the enduring legacy of the boatman's story. Sood described the bond between the Nishad community and Lord Rama as an unparalleled example of reverence in Indian culture, noting that the sight of boats adorned with 'Jai Shri Ram' on the waves of Mother Yamuna continues to fill hearts with joy and faith.
Spiritual Tributes and Festive Wishes
Following his worship of Lord Shri Ramlala, CM Yogi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a spiritual message. He offered salutations to Lord Rama, describing him as the destroyer of foes and the embodiment of righteousness.
The Chief Minister described Diwali not just as a festival, but as a grand celebration of the eternal consciousness of Sanatan culture. He linked the festivities to the timeless values of dharma, truth, and spiritual heritage, praying for the overall welfare of society and the progress of the nation.
The Diwali Calendar 2026
The festivities in Ayodhya and across the region followed a traditional timeline:
- November 6: Dhanteras
- November 7: Choti Diwali
- November 8: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja
- November 10: Govardhan Puja
- November 11: Bhai Dooj