Ayodhya is all set for the 10th edition of Deepotsav on Saturday when 30 lakh (three million) diyas (earthen lamps) will illuminate Ram Ki Paidi and 55 other ghats along the banks of the Saryu on Saturday as 2,100 drones light up the city’s skyline in a spectacular celebration marking a decade of the festival.
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, the chief guest, will light the first diya at Ram Ki Paidi in the presence of governor Anandiben Patel and chief minister Yogi Adityanath, formally launching the festivities. “Convenience and security of devotees and guests are the priority during Deepotsav. Responsibilities have been assigned at all major event venues.
Before the main celebrations, the chief minister will perform a symbolic aarti of artistes playing Lord Ram, Mata Sita and Lord Hanuman after they land at the makeshift helipad at Ram Katha Park, recreating Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The departments concerned have been instructed to ensure arrangements through proper coordination so that no one faces any inconvenience during the event,” district magistrate Shashank Tripathi said.
Deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, UP cabinet ministers Surya Pratap Shahi and Jaiveer Singh, minister of state Satish Chandra Sharma, Ayodhya mayor Girish Pati Tripathi and others will be present on the occasion. Ayodhya’s Deepotsav, started by the Yogi Adityanath government in 2017 to recreate the welcome of Lord Ram after a 14-year exile, has become the world’s largest oil lamp display, breaking its own Guinness World Record every year.
According to an official statement. “The Vice-President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, will visit Ayodhya on November 7, 2026, to participate in Deepotsav 2026,” “During his visit, the Vice-President will offer prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and participate in the symbolic coronation ceremony of Prabhu Shri Ram in Ayodhya. He will also felicitate revered saints on the occasion,” it said.
