Ayodhya readies more than 30 lakh diyas on the Sarayū ghats for its 10th Deepotsav tonight
About 35,000 volunteers have spent the week filling earthen lamps with oil along all 56 ghats of Rām kī Paiḍī.
- ANI
- Free Press Journal
Ayodhya holds the main celebrations of its 10th Deepotsav on Saturday, 7 November, the eve of Dīpāvalī. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is to attend, ANI reported.
The state government is aiming for a new world record by lighting more than 30 lakh earthen lamps. UNI reported that the diyas will cover all 56 ghats of Rām kī Paiḍī on the Sarayū.
Adarsh Tiwari, a volunteer supervising Ghat No. 28, told ANI that about 35,000 volunteers are at work. He said the target is 30 to 35 lakh diyas, with a new stage and a drone show this year.
Artists portraying Śrī Rāma, Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa and Hanumān began final rehearsals of Rāmāyaṇa tableaux on Friday. Mohammad Islam, who plays Hanumān and has joined every Deepotsav, told ANI that Śrī Rāma "belongs to everyone".
Pilgrims from as far as Golaghat in Assam said they had come to see the lighting in person. Rangolis of lotuses, kalaśas and diyas line the approach road to Ram Katha Park, the main venue, the Free Press Journal reported.
About 60 women of the Brahma Kumaris will take part in the Sarayū āratī. New visitor facilities built at Rām kī Paiḍī for about Rs 23.68 crore include an open-air theatre and viewing galleries.
Key data
10th edition; main lighting 7 Nov 2026; target 30 to 35 lakh diyas; 56 ghats; about 35,000 volunteers; about 60 Brahma Kumaris women in the Sarayū āratī; Rs 23.68 crore for new Rām kī Paiḍī facilities.
Why it matters
Deepotsav has become the most visible public celebration of Śrī Rāma's return to Ayodhya, the event Dīpāvalī recalls. Its scale draws pilgrims from across India to the city ahead of the festival.
GK: did you know?
In the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā is the capital of the Ikṣvāku kings of Kosala, on the banks of the Sarayū. The first Deepotsav on the Sarayū ghats was held in 2017.
