Over 70 Diplomats Converge in UP's Varanasi for Guru Purnima Celebrations

Over 70 Diplomats Converge in UP’s Varanasi for Guru Purnima Celebrations

Ambassadors and diplomats from more than 70 countries are visiting the city of Varanasi on the occasion of Guru Purnima, as part of the visit organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The ambassadors will witness the lighting of earthen lamps on the occasion of Kartik Purnima and also witness the Ganga Arti and Dev Deepavali at Kashi in the historic city of Varanasi. It has previously hosted several G20 meetings during India’s presidency including the G20 Development Ministers Meeting and G20 Culture Ministers Meeting.

Varanasi has also hosted several meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Varanasi was designated as the first SCO cultural city during the Indian presidency this year. Earlier this month, MEA had organised the visit of ambassadors and diplomats from 50 countries to Ayodhya on the occasion of Deepotsav held on the eve of Diwali.

Rich culture of Indian cities

The MEA, through various ‘outreach’ programme, have been promoting the rich culture and heritage of ancient Indian cities like Varanasi, and Ayodhya. Varanasi also became the epicentre of some of the key G20-related meetings in last year which was conducted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Ambassadors of various countries show a lot of interest in Indian culture and tradition, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development projects and complete revamp of the temple town of Ayodhya is something that interests them. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also appreciated MEA’s efforts in making 50-plus countries participate in Grand Deepotsav Celebrations on Diwali.

Ram Temple Inauguration

Government sources confirmed to News18 that on January 22, when the Ram Temple will be inaugurated or even post that in a series of events, many more countries will join this club of visiting Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh government is also planning a visit of Prime Ministerial level delegations from a few countries on the occasion. Talks regarding the same are underway via MEA. However, the ministry is tight-lipped on the participation of countries in January during Ram Temple’s inauguration.