Ayodhya, November 6, 2026: The holy city of Ayodhya is preparing for a spectacular celebration of Deepotsav 2026, with more than 30 lakh earthen lamps, a 2,100-drone show and cultural performances by artists from India and abroad. The tenth edition of the festival began on November 5, with the main celebrations scheduled for Saturday, November 7.
The Uttar Pradesh government has planned a five-day celebration featuring traditional religious ceremonies, illuminated riverfronts, Ramayana-themed performances and technology-driven attractions.
According to The Indian Express, the event will bring together thousands of volunteers, artists and visitors as Ayodhya prepares to celebrate the festival of lights ahead of Diwali.
More Than 30 Lakh Diyas to Illuminate Ayodhya
The biggest attraction of Deepotsav 2026 will be the lighting of more than 30 lakh earthen lamps across 56 ghats along the Saryu riverfront.
The main diya-lighting ceremony will take place at Ram Ki Paidi on November 7.
Approximately 35,000 students from colleges in Ayodhya are expected to participate in arranging the lamps.
The large-scale preparations aim to transform the riverfront into a spectacular display of lights while continuing a tradition that has become closely associated with Ayodhya’s Diwali celebrations.
Ayodhya Aims to Break Previous Guinness World Record
Deepotsav has expanded significantly since its first edition in 2017.
The inaugural celebration featured approximately 1.71 lakh diyas.
In 2025, Ayodhya set a Guinness World Record by lighting 26.17 lakh earthen lamps.
With the 2026 target exceeding 30 lakh diyas, organisers are preparing to surpass the previous record.
However, the new record will depend on successful lamp lighting and verification by the relevant authorities.
2,100 Drones to Present Ramayana in the Sky
One of the major highlights will be a 2,100-drone aerial show depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
The drones will create illuminated formations representing important characters and episodes from the epic.
The presentation is expected to include images of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Hanuman, Ravana and the Pushpak Viman.
The show will also feature Ram Darbar and other symbols associated with Ayodhya’s religious and cultural heritage.
The number of drones is nearly double the 1,100 used during the 2025 celebration.
A separate presentation is also planned for Ayodhya residents on November 9.
Grand Saryu Aarti to Feature 2,147 Participants
The celebrations will include a large-scale Saryu Maha Aarti involving approximately 2,147 participants.
Public representatives, councillors, religious participants and members of the public are expected to take part.
The ceremony will feature Vedic chanting and traditional prayers along the riverfront.
The collective aarti is intended to be one of the central religious attractions of the festival.
Laser Show and 3D Projection Mapping Planned
Alongside traditional rituals, organisers have planned several technology-based attractions.
An eight-minute laser show and a 20-minute projection mapping presentation will form part of the celebrations.
Musical fireworks and illuminated installations are also planned.
A floating stage will depict Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya through music, dance and Hindi narration.
These presentations are designed to combine storytelling with contemporary visual technology.
International Ramlila Performances to Attract Visitors
Artists from five countries will participate in the festival’s international Ramlila presentations.
The participating countries include South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Laos and Thailand.
The performances will interpret episodes from the Ramayana through different theatrical traditions, languages, costumes and musical styles.
The international participation highlights the cultural influence of the Ramayana beyond India.
Around 2,500 Artists to Perform Across 12 Stages
Deepotsav 2026 will feature approximately 2,500 artists performing across 12 stages.
The arrangements include six small stages, four medium-sized stages and two large stages.
Artists from 16 districts of Uttar Pradesh will participate alongside performers from other Indian states.
The programme will include Karnataka’s Dollu Kunitha, Rajasthan’s Ghoomar and Bihar’s Jhijhiya.
Traditional performances associated with Tharu communities in Pilibhit and Vantangiya communities in Gorakhpur are also planned.
Ramayana-Themed Procession With 22 Tableaux
A grand cultural procession featuring 22 tableaux will portray scenes from the seven kandas of the Ramayana.
The procession will include representations of Ram Rath, Ram Darbar and Pushpak Viman.
The tableaux are intended to communicate important moments from the epic through visual storytelling.
Ramkatha Park will also host sand art and other themed installations.
The processions and performances are expected to attract large audiences during the main celebration.
Augmented Reality Experience for Young Visitors
For the first time, organisers have planned an expanded interactive Ramayana experience using augmented reality.
Visitors will be able to view five three-dimensional scenes from the epic through a dedicated application available on Android and iOS.
By scanning designated locations at Ram Ki Paidi, users will be able to see digital scenes superimposed on their surroundings.
The experience will also allow visitors to record and share the visual presentations.
The Uttar Pradesh government hopes such features will help younger audiences engage with traditional stories.
Ayodhya Decorated With Thematic Gateways and Selfie Points
The city is being decorated with illuminated installations, themed gateways and artistic displays.
Organisers have planned 13 thematic gateways and 20 selfie points along major routes.
The stretch between Lata Mangeshkar Chowk and Ram Ki Paidi will feature installations depicting episodes from the Ramayana.
The decorations will form part of a broader effort to create an immersive cultural experience throughout the city.
Local Potters Benefit From Deepotsav Preparations
The large-scale demand for earthen lamps has created economic opportunities for local pottery communities.
According to officials, an order worth approximately ₹12.8 lakh has been placed for 1.60 lakh diyas produced by 25 women from pottery communities in Ayodhya and Barabanki districts.
The women are associated with villages including Gyaspur, Kajiyapur and Bhaghar Jheel.
Authorities have also provided electric pottery wheels to local artisans to improve production capacity.
By October 2026, approximately 197 potters had received these machines.
The initiative connects the festival’s cultural significance with livelihood opportunities for traditional artisans.
Uttar Pradesh Government Focuses on Visitor Arrangements
The state government has directed officials to prioritise cleanliness, security, accessibility and smooth movement during the celebrations.
Special arrangements are being made for visitors expected at the Saryu ghats and other festival venues.
Officials are coordinating preparations involving public spaces, illumination, crowd management and transportation.
Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs Amrit Abhijat has emphasised the importance of balancing tourism activities with the needs of local residents.
Deepotsav Celebrations Continue Until November 9
Although November 7 will be the principal celebration day, the festival programme extends beyond the main lighting ceremony.
The celebrations began on November 5 and are scheduled to continue until November 9.
Additional public presentations are planned for November 8.
A separate drone show on November 9 is intended particularly for Ayodhya residents.
Officials have also invited Indian ambassadors serving abroad to participate in the cultural celebrations.
Deepotsav 2026 Highlights Ayodhya’s Cultural Heritage
The tenth edition of Ayodhya Deepotsav represents a major celebration of religious traditions, cultural heritage and public participation.
With more than 30 lakh diyas planned across 56 ghats, a 2,100-drone spectacle and international Ramlila performances, the festival is expected to attract considerable attention.
The event also provides opportunities for local artisans, performers and tourism-related businesses.
As preparations enter their final stage on November 6, Ayodhya is preparing for its main Deepotsav celebration on November 7, 2026, when the Saryu riverfront is scheduled to be illuminated by millions of earthen lamps.
Source: The Indian Express, November 6, 2026; PTI; Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department
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