World · India Bureau
Ayodhya deploys massive security for Diwali festival celebration
Authorities in Ayodhya are mounting an extensive security operation for the tenth edition of Deepotsav-2026, with over 6,000 police personnel and specialized commando units deployed across the city.
LSN India ·

Preparations for Ayodhya's annual Deepotsav festival are in full swing, with organisers planning an unprecedented celebration expected to draw massive crowds to the holy city. The event will feature the lighting of approximately 30 lakh oil lamps at Ram Ki Paidi alone, with a target of around 50 lakh diyas across the entire district. A spectacular drone light show involving 2,100 indigenous drones is also planned for the aerial display.
To manage security for the large gathering, authorities have established an extensive framework across Ayodhya. A total of 6,000 police personnel, 45 commanding officers, and specialised Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) commandos have been mobilised for the operation. The security grid has been divided into 20 distinct zones and 53 sectors to ensure comprehensive coverage and swift response capabilities.
The tenth edition of Deepotsav represents a significant cultural and administrative undertaking for the city, which has seen rapidly increasing visitor numbers during festival seasons. Security officials have emphasised that the multi-layered approach combines ground-level policing with specialised tactical units to manage the anticipated crowds while maintaining public order and safety throughout the celebrations.