Over 3 million diyas light up Ayodhya's Saryu riverbanks for Deepotsav

Ayodhya's Deepotsav 2026 witnessed a spectacular display of devotion as more than three million earthen diyas were lit along the banks of the Saryu river, creating a luminous landscape across the ancient ghats. The festival, steeped in Hindu tradition and mythology, drew thousands of visitors and prominent officials to witness the religious observance.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar graced the celebrations, underscoring the event's significance in India's cultural and spiritual calendar. The simultaneous illumination of millions of lamps represented a record-setting moment for the city, which has emerged as a major pilgrimage and tourism destination in recent years.

Deepotash, traditionally associated with the Ramayana narrative, has been revived and expanded in scale following the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The festival reflects the city's status as a revitalized spiritual hub and showcases its capacity to host grand religious gatherings. The 2026 edition demonstrated renewed enthusiasm for the celebration among devotees and administrators alike.

The riverfront illumination served as both a religious observance and a spectacle that highlighted Ayodhya's infrastructure development and organizational capabilities. Local authorities coordinated the event to accommodate the large gathering while maintaining safety and accessibility standards.