Gorakhpur, Oct 19 Hundreds of Hindus participated in the festival 'Deep Mahotsav' with utmost devotion by lighting traditional earthen lamps at the famous Surajkund temple in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur district on Sunday.

The 'Community Deepavali', which is celebrated by lighting thousands of earthen lamps at the temple tank of Surajkund, is a century old custom and it is believed that it will ward off evil spirits and purify the atmosphere.

However, of late, the objective has been to usher universal peace.

Incidentally, Sanskar Bharati, a socio-religious forum has been instrumental in illuminating around one lakh twenty five thousand earthen lamps on the steps leading to the temple pond.

"Sanskar Bharati, as a socio-religious organisation, for the past five years has been lighting up around one lakh and twenty five earthen lamps. We pray for world peace and for happiness of everybody," said Prem Paraya of Sanskar Bharati.

The temple and the tank sparkled as earthen lamps placed on the steps radiated the light.

It is believed that Lord Rama, warrior king who epitomizes righteousness in Hindu mythology, was believed to have rested at this temple site with his consort Sita on their way back from Lanka.

With 'Deep Mahotsav', the devotees welcomed Lord Rama and bid goodbye to the festival of lights. By Pavan Kumar (ANI)