Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebration, held on October 30, was a momentous occasion, as it marked the first festival since the historic consecration of the Ram temple in January. The event, a vivid tribute to Lord Ram’s legacy, saw the city set a new Guinness World Record with the lighting of over 25 lakh oil lamps along the banks of the River Saryu. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the grand occasion, lighting the first few diyas along with his cabinet members and other dignitaries, as a symbolic initiation of the festivities. This eighth Deepotsav was particularly meaningful, highlighting Ayodhya’s transformation into a global spiritual center and celebrating its deep-rooted cultural heritage.
The festival blended tradition with technology, featuring a spectacular laser and drone show that captured and reenacted key moments from the Ramayan, enthralling the thousands gathered. Performers from six nations—Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia—showcased cultural presentations, underscoring the global admiration for the Ramayan’s timeless teachings. Ram Leela performances from Uttarakhand further enriched the cultural fabric of the celebration, presenting Lord Ram’s journey with captivating visuals, intricate choreography, and traditional music that resonated with audiences.
Security measures for the event were comprehensive, with around 10,000 police personnel, including half in plain clothes, deployed throughout Ayodhya. This was to ensure not only the safety of the crowds but also to allow seamless movement through the city. To control the influx of people near Ram Ki Paidi, 17 routes were restricted to pass holders only. A major attraction was the formation of 80,000 diyas shaped as a swastika at ghat no. 10—a symbol of auspiciousness in Indian culture, radiating a warm, spiritual glow over the waters of the Saryu.
The evening procession was a highlight, bringing mythical characters to life in the streets of Ayodhya. The Chief Minister performed an aarti to welcome the procession, which featured vibrant tableaux portraying scenes from the Ramayan, celebrating the story’s enduring impact on Indian society. In a grand gesture, Yogi Adityanath himself pulled the chariot carrying actors representing Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. These performers had been flown into Ayodhya by helicopter in a nod to the mythical Pushpak Viman, symbolizing Lord Ram’s triumphant return to the city after his exile.
Tableaux in the procession illustrated scenes from Tulsidas’s *Ramcharitmanas*, recounting episodes from the Bal Kand, Ayodhya Kand, Aranya Kand, Kishkindha Kand, Sundar Kand, Lanka Kand, and Uttar Kand. These captivating displays offered vivid snapshots of Lord Ram’s life, from his birth and education, marriage to Sita, and the 14-year exile, to key events like Bharat Milaap, Shabri’s devotion, Hanuman’s daring journey to Lanka, and the epic battle with Ravana. Each tableau highlighted Lord Ram’s values of dharma, honor, and compassion, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav has grown beyond a regional celebration, becoming an internationally recognized festival that draws visitors from across the world. The event serves as a reminder of the cultural and spiritual importance of Ayodhya and the enduring legacy of Lord Ram.
