Deepotsav 2026: Ayodhya set for record illumination and global participation
Lucknow, 23 September: Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh on Wednesday directed officials to seek public suggestions via MyGov UP for making Deepotsav 2026 in Ayodhya more grand and innovative by actively involving common people and youth in the celebrations.
He said that along with actively involving the youth in the preparations of Deepotsav, they should be made the carriers and bearers of the cultural traditions of the state. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh on Wednesday reviewed the preparations of Deepotsav with Additional Chief Secretary Tourism, Culture and Charitable Affairs Amrit Abhijat. The meeting discussed several important points, including cultural programs, facilities for pilgrims and tourists, city decorations, security, and traffic arrangements.
To make Deepotsav 2026 the grandest event ever, plans are made to light approximately 3 million lamps, decorate the streets of Ayodhya and the banks of the Saryu River with Ramayana-themed decorations, and increase participation from both within and outside the country.
Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that youth should be actively involved in the preparations for Deepotsav and empower them to be the bearers of our cultural traditions.
This year, a 2,100 drone show will be a major attraction during Deepotsav. The meeting proposed organizing the drone show on the day of Deepotsav as well as at the Jamghat (event) two days later, giving locals and tourists a chance to witness it again. In addition to live performances, 3D projections, laser shows, and musical green fireworks will also be part of the event. To increase international participation, there are plans to invite tourism and culture ministers or their representatives from various countries. Overseas Indians will also be invited to participate in the festival of lights through Indian embassies and ambassadors in more than 30 countries.
Additional Chief Secretary Amrit Abhijat directed the development of selfie points that would not disrupt pedestrian movement.
He also asked that roadside installations based on different chapters of the Ramayana should provide one-line information about the story in simple language, so that even small children can easily understand it.
The meeting also discussed the proposal to build 10 Ramayana-themed entry gates on the Dharampath. Additionally, three more Ramayana gates are planned on major routes leading to Ayodhya, including the Sultanpur and Rae Bareli routes. A proposal to install a permanent Pushpak Vimana in the Saryu River was also put forward. During the Deepotsav, plans include a mass Saryu Aarti by over 2,100 monks, lighting of lamps in over 240 temples and monasteries, and decorating 25 major intersections with the support of industry and trade organizations to bring a festive atmosphere to key areas and public spaces.
The meeting also discussed arrangements for lighting lamps, coordinating volunteers, and using artificial intelligence to count the number of devotees. The district administration, Shri Ayodhyaji Teerth Vikas Parishad, and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University will participate in the preparations. Emphasis was also placed on security, cleanliness, power supply, road repairs, and the timely completion of ongoing works in the Ram Ki Paidi area. Additionally, a list of 284 development projects from various departments was reviewed. The total cost of these projects is ₹5,452.79 crore.
