Rourkela, Jan 23: A massive diya (earthen lamp) was ignited at Hanuman Vatika in Rourkela last evening to mark the consecration of Ram Temple at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
The diya was taken out for a 'parikrama' for around 5 km from Mayfair Hockey Village to Hanuman Vatika with hundreds of devotees welcoming it with showing flowers and Jai Sri Ram sloganeering.
The diya was carried on a trailer truck in front of a12-feet high idol of Lord Ram to do rounds in the city.
Former Union Minister Dilip Ray kindled the diya at 5 pm in the evening on the premises of Hanuman Vatika. More than 6,000 litres of ghee will be used for the lamp to burn for 45 days continuously.
Besides, special rituals were performed at Sri Jagannath temple and Ram temple in Sector – III, with recitation of Hanuman Chalisa. Several organisations had taken out processions across the city to celebrate the consecration ceremony.