The 10th edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya witnessed an impressive display of 36 lakh diyas lighting up the banks of the Saryu River on Saturday. The event was inaugurated by the Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan, who was joined by notable figures including Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This year’s celebration marks a decade of the festival, which has become integral to Ayodhya’s identity as the birthplace of Lord Ram.

This edition of Deepotsav is particularly significant as it is the last one before the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections in 2027. The festivities were centred around two main locations: Ram Katha Park and Ram Ki Paidi. These venues showcased a blend of tradition, devotion, and modern technology, attracting a large number of devotees both in person and through broadcasts across the nation.

The programme commenced at Ram Katha Park, where a symbolic re-enactment of Lord Ram’s arrival, accompanied by Mata Sita and Lakshman, took place. As a helicopter landed carrying the performers portraying these characters, the crowd erupted in chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’. Chief Minister Adityanath performed a traditional aarti, welcoming the figures in a manner reminiscent of the Ramayana’s narrative of Lord Ram’s return after 14 years of exile.

Cultural Performances and Lighting of Diyas

Following the ceremonial welcome, the Vice President, Governor, and Chief Minister joined spiritual leaders on stage for a series of cultural performances. Artists from various states and countries, including South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Laos, presented episodes from the Ramayana, transforming Ram Katha Park into a vibrant cultural hub.

After the performances, dignitaries moved to Ram Ki Paidi, the focal point of Deepotsav. Here, the Vice President lit the first diya, initiating the lighting of 30 lakh diyas across 56 ghats along the Saryu. Volunteers, primarily students from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University and other local colleges, had meticulously arranged the diyas in neat formations along the riverbanks. As the lamps were lit, the reflection on the water created a breathtaking spectacle that captivated the assembled crowd.

The lighting ceremony was further enhanced by a 3-D projection mapping and laser show at Ram Ki Paidi, complemented by a drone display illustrating scenes from the Ramayana. A spectacular show featuring 2,100 drones illuminated the Ayodhya skyline, depicting moments from Lord Ram’s life, including his return and the Ram Mandir. Major thoroughfares leading to the event were adorned with thematic lighting, LED panels, flowers, and rangoli, contributing to the festive atmosphere.

Growth of Deepotsav Over the Years

The Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir was also illuminated, attracting thousands of devotees who had gathered since early morning for darshan. The Shobhayatra, showcasing the arrival of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, featured participation from 13 states, with tableaux representing various episodes from the Ramayana drawing significant attention. Initiated in 2017 by the Yogi Adityanath government, Deepotsav has evolved into the world’s largest oil lamp display, consistently breaking its own Guinness World Record each year.

Beginning with 1.71 lakh diyas in 2017, the number has steadily increased: 3.01 lakh in 2018, 4.04 lakh in 2019, 6.06 lakh in 2020, 9.41 lakh in 2021, 15.76 lakh in 2022, and 22.23 lakh in 2023. In 2024, following the consecration of the Ram Mandir, 25,12,585 diyas were lit, setting two Guinness records. The count reached 26,17,215 diyas in 2025, and this year’s target of 30 lakh diyas marks a new milestone for the festival.

Prominent figures at the event included Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with various state ministers, the Mayor of Ayodhya, and several MLAs and MLCs, all contributing to the grandeur of this year’s Deepotsav.

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