Ayodhya erupts in tears of joy, diyas usher in early Diwali | India News – Times of India

AYODHYA: While PM Narendra Modi performed bhoomi pujan, the city erupted in celebration. As sound of conch shells, bells and firecrackers rent the air, more than one quintal sweets were distributed by residents.
And in the evening, it was yet another Diwali here with lakhs of diyas lit in temples and along the banks of the Saryu. Patna’s Mahavir Mandir Trust got 1.25 lakh ‘Raghupati’ laddoos prepared, reportedly with besan from Australia and ghee from Kerala. Another 1.15 lakh laddoos were prepared by devotees of Devraha Hans Baba.

Though the temple town was fortified and its borders sealed, excitement brimmed over in every heart. Muslims too have welcomed the bhoomi pujan. “It’s the beginning of the making of a new India in which both Hindus and Muslims will live in harmony. My best wishes to my Hindu brothers for the Ram Mandir,” said Mohammad Rashid, trustee of mosque Trust set up by Sunni Waqf Board for constructing alternate mosque in lieu of Babri Masjid.
Athar Hussain, secretary of Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation, said “We welcome the ceremony at Ramjanmabhoomi just like we accepted the verdict of the apex court, which has many positive aspects for Muslims. It’s a good beginning and an end to a centuries-old conflict.”