Ayodhya glows in faith and light as Deepotsav ready to set new record

This year’s Deepotsav, spread over three days, is witnessing an extraordinary blend of people’s participation, devotion and digital innovation.

Ayodhya, the sacred birthplace of Lord Ram, is bathed in divine splendour as Deepotsav 2025 unfolds in full glory. With more than 26 lakh diyas set to light up the ghats of the Saryu on Sunday evening, the city is poised to script another chapter of faith, unity and record-breaking celebration.

This year’s Deepotsav, spread over three days, is witnessing an extraordinary blend of people’s participation, devotion and digital innovation. More than 33,000 volunteers, including students, teachers and community members, are engaged in laying diyas across 56 ghats, under the coordination of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University.

By October 17, half the work had already been completed with nearly 8 lakh diyas carefully placed across Ghats 8 to 11.

Nodal Officer Prof. Sant Sharan Mishra said, “The energy among the volunteers is unmatched. Their dedication shows how deeply the new generation connects with the ideals of Lord Ram. It is inspiring to see faith and community spirit come together on this scale.”

The diyas, symbolic of the triumph of light over darkness, are not just illuminating Ayodhya’s ghats but also the livelihoods of local potters. Nearly 16 lakh of the 26 lakh diyas have been handmade by around 40 potter families from Ayodhya and nearby villages like Jaisinghpur, Pura Bazar and Gosaiganj. The remaining lamps have been sourced from social organisations and women’s self-help groups across Uttar Pradesh. To fuel this grand illumination, over 73,000 litres of oil and 55 lakh cotton wicks are being used.

The lighting arrangements include 16 lakh diyas at Ram Ki Paidi, 4.25 lakh at the Extended Paidi, 4.75 lakh at Chaudhary Charan Singh Ghat, 5.25 lakh at Bhajan Sandhya Ghat, and 1.25 lakh at Laxman Kila Ghat and adjoining areas.

The day-long celebration began with a colourful Shobha Yatra, where tableaux and cultural troupes depicted episodes from the Ramayana. This was followed by the symbolic Rajyabhishek of Lord Ram at Ram Ki Paidi. As dusk millions of diyas would turn the Saryu banks into a glowing ocean of faith, aiming once again for a Guinness World Record.

Adding to the spectacle is the ‘Digital Bhavya Ramayana’ — a 3D projection mapping and drone light show narrating Lord Ram’s life through visuals in the night sky. Over 1,100 ‘Make in India’ drones are participating in this aerial performance, while a holographic laser show and musical presentations are captivating visitors.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Ayodhya’s Deepotsav is more than a festival; it is a living expression of India’s eternal culture. This year, we have combined devotion, art and technology to create an experience that every visitor will remember for a lifetime.”

He added that over 23.82 crore tourists have already visited Ayodhya in the first half of 2025, following 16.44 crore visitors in 2024 — a testimony to the city’s growing global significance as a spiritual destination.

As diyas flicker on the ghats and chants of “Jai Shri Ram” fill the air, Ayodhya stands illuminated not only in light but in spirit. For lakhs of devotees and visitors, Deepotsav 2025 is more than a visual spectacle — it is a reaffirmation of faith, harmony and the enduring light of Lord Ram that continues to guide generations.