Deepotsav 2026: Ayodhya glows with record 36 lakh earthen lamps

Ayodhya celebrated the 10th edition of Deepotsav by illuminating over 36 lakh earthen lamps across 56 ghats along the Saryu river, surpassing the previous record-setting edition. Top dignitaries, including the Vice-President, Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, participated in the grand festivities featuring laser and drone shows, Ramayana-themed performances, aarti ceremonies and fireworks.

Ayodhya (UP):  Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, was illuminated with over 36 lakh earthen lamps on Saturday as the city celebrated the 10th edition of Deepotsav along the banks of the Saryu river, officials here said.

This year’s celebrations saw nearly 10 lakh more earthen lamps lit than in 2025, when the event earned recognition from the Guinness World Records.

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In 2025, the ninth edition of Deepotsav set two Guinness World Records, with 26,17,215 earthen lamps illuminated simultaneously and 2,128 people performing ‘aarti’ together, according to the state government.

According to an official statement issued late Saturday evening, the illumination of over 36 lakh lamps across 56 ghats, including Ram Ki Paidi, created an atmosphere reminiscent of the Treta Yuga, the era associated with Lord Ram.

Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lit lamps at Ram Ki Paidi as part of the celebrations.

The dignitaries also witnessed a grand laser show featuring 3D holographic projection mapping and live performances depicting various episodes from the Ramayana, organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department.

Fireworks were also held to mark the arrival of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

The city presented a spectacular sight as temples, narrow lanes, main roads and government and religious buildings were illuminated. Residents also lit lamps at their homes to mark the occasion.

The celebrations drew devotees from across the country and tourists from different parts of the world, with chants of “Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram”, “Jai Siya Ram” and “Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai” reverberating across the city and the Saryu riverfront.

The official statement said more than 35,000 volunteers from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, colleges, intermediate colleges and voluntary organisations helped arrange the lamps, fill them with oil and wicks, and facilitate lighting across the 56 ghats.

Lamps were also lit at homes, monasteries, temples, ashrams, public buildings and intersections across Ayodhya.

Earlier, the chief minister, along with members of his cabinet, performed rituals at Ram Katha Park, offering prayers to Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughna, Hanuman and sages. They applied tilak to the deities, offered floral garlands and performed worship. Adityanath, saints and ministers also participated in a symbolic coronation of Lord Ram on the stage.

The celebrations also featured a ceremonial arrival of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita in a symbolic Pushpak Viman. Flowers were showered from a helicopter as the tableau arrived in Ayodhya.

Adityanath, his deputy chief ministers, ministers and other public representatives pulled the chariot carrying the symbolic figures, drawing an emotional response from devotees gathered to welcome them.

Vedic scholars performed the Saryu aarti in the presence of the symbolic representation of Lord Ram. Radhakrishnan and Adityanath also performed the aarti, along with members of the state cabinet, saints and other dignitaries at several specially constructed platforms along the riverfront.

The celebrations also featured an indigenous drone show in which formations depicting Lord Ram and scenes from the Ramayana lit up the Ayodhya sky.

Artists from Uttar Pradesh and several other states presented performances showcasing their respective folk traditions. A grand display of fireworks marked the arrival of Lord Ram, the statement added.