Ayodhya is preparing to witness the largest festival of faith, devotion, and grandeur. Preparations for the tenth edition of Dipotsav are in their final stages. This year, over 3 million lights will be lit on 56 ghats of the Sarayu River, including Ram Ki Paidi. Additionally, 2151 Vedacharya and Acharyas will jointly conduct the Mahaarti on the banks of the Sarayu.
The chief guest of Dipotsav-2026 will be the Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan. The Minister of Chief Ministers, Yogi Adityanath, will also attend the event. This year's Dipotsav will present a unique combination of traditions and modern technologies.
2100 domestic drones will be displayed in the sky, bringing to life the main episodes of the Ramayana. The images will include figures of Lord Shri Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman in heroic poses, the scene of Ravana's killing, Pushpaka Vimana, and Ram Darbar. Various depictions of Muni Valmiki, Goswami Tulsidas, and Hanuman will also be shown in the sky.
A feature of the preparations for Dipotsav is the integration of Ganga-Jamuni culture. Muslim artisans are participating in creating decorations based on the stories of the Ramayana. This festival, organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, attracts 35 thousand volunteers who are busy illuminating the 56 ghats of the Sarayu. Among the main attractions will be multimedia projections, laser shows, live performances by more than 100 artists, and shows with musical green fireworks.
The Minister of Tourism and Culture of Uttar Pradesh, Jaivir Singh, stated that Dipotsav began in 2017 at the initiative of the Minister of Chief Ministers, Yogi Adityanath. The first edition included about 1.71 lakh lights, after which the event expanded annually. This year, it is planned to light over 3 million lights on 56 ghats.
According to the minister, the increase in the number of lights indicates not only the grandeur of the event but also the faith of the people and reverence for Lord Shri Rama. He expressed confidence that the tenth edition will set a new record in terms of public participation and scale.
35 thousand volunteers, 900 ghat coordinators, 112 ghat supervisors, and 27 observers have been involved in organizing Dipotsav. Cultural programs, thematic decoration, international Ramlila, the Dipotsav fair, and exhibitions are also being held. These events will allow tourists from different countries to get acquainted with the cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of Ayodhya.
Dipotsav started in Ayodhya in 2017 when 1.71 lakh lights were lit. After this, in 2018, the number increased to 3.01 lakh, in 2019—to 4.04 lakh, in 2020—to 6.06 lakh, and in 2021—to 9.41 lakh lights. In 2022, the number of lights reached 15.76 lakh. Then, in 2023, 22.23 lakh were lit, in 2024—25.12 lakh, and in 2025—26.11 lakh lights. Now, the tenth edition in 2026 is planned to light over 3 million lights.
On the eve of Diwali, the Tourism Department is organizing a grand aerial show using drones in Ayodhya. This time, 2100 colorful domestic drones will be simultaneously in the sky, forming various light patterns. The number of drones has been increased by approximately double compared to last year, ensuring a fusion of faith, spirituality, and modern technology.
The show will depict scenes with Lord Shri Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman in a heroic pose, as well as the killing of Ravana, Pushpaka Vimana, and Ram Darbar. Furthermore, various images of Muni Valmiki, Goswami Tulsidas, and Hanuman will be brought to life in the sky. Symbols of Ram Mandir, Dipotsav, the Uttar Pradesh government, and the Tourism Department will also be displayed using drones.
To make the show special, a special combination of music, voiceover, and melodic narration along with the scene structure has been developed. The synchronization of sound and light will correspond to the episodes of the Ramayana, introducing viewers to different stages of the story. Additionally, a special drone show will be organized for the local residents of Ayodhya on November 9.
The Dipotsav parade will feature attractive decorations based on the seven Kandas of the Ramayana. They vividly portray the life journey of Lord Shri Rama and key episodes of the Ramkatha. About 1000 artists from various states of the country will present folk dances, music, and cultural programs in different parts of Ayodhya.
The entire city of Ramnagri has been transformed through thematic decoration. Photo zones, art installations, and sand art have been created in key locations of the city. In addition, a smart lighting system with branding on lamp posts and QR code-based signage has been organized, and LED panels have been equipped.
To attract the youth, Generation Z, modern entertainment has been integrated into Dipotsav alongside traditions. Multimedia projections and laser shows will take place at Ram Ki Paidi.


