30 Lakh Diyas, 2,100 Drones and Grand Ramayana Show
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Ayodhya, November 6, 2026: The holy city of Ayodhya is preparing for another spectacular celebration as the tenth edition of Deepotsav 2026 approaches. The main event, scheduled for November 7, aims to illuminate 56 ghats along the River Saryu with more than 30 lakh earthen lamps, creating a magnificent spiritual atmosphere across Ram Nagari.
This year’s celebration will combine traditional religious ceremonies with modern technology. Major attractions are expected to include a spectacular display featuring 2,100 indigenous drones, a grand Saryu Aarti, cultural performances, Ramayana-themed tableaux, and laser presentations.
Preparations are underway across Ram Ki Paidi and other key locations in Ayodhya, with thousands of volunteers helping with the arrangements.
Tenth Edition of Ayodhya Deepotsav: Main Celebration on November 7
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav began in 2017 and has gradually developed into one of India’s most prominent cultural and religious celebrations.
The 2026 edition marks the festival’s tenth year. The five-day celebrations began on November 5, with the main Deepotsav event scheduled for November 7. Additional programmes are planned through November 9.
Last year, in 2025, Ayodhya illuminated 26.17 lakh earthen lamps, setting a Guinness World Record. This year, the administration has set a target of lighting more than 30 lakh diyas across 56 ghats, aiming to take the celebration to another level.
The 30-lakh figure represents this year’s target, not a completed achievement.
2,100-Drone Show to Present Scenes from the Ramayana
One of the biggest attractions of Deepotsav 2026 will be a spectacular aerial presentation featuring 2,100 indigenous drones.
The drone formation is expected to recreate important episodes from the Ramayana, depicting scenes associated with Lord Rama through coordinated aerial patterns.
Alongside the drone show, visitors can expect laser presentations and projection mapping.
The reported programme includes an approximately eight-minute laser show and a 20-minute projection mapping presentation, combining digital technology with the cultural and spiritual significance of Ayodhya.
56 Ghats to Shine with Millions of Earthen Lamps
The main attraction of the festival will be the illumination of 56 ghats along the Saryu riverfront.
Around 35,000 students from colleges in Ayodhya are expected to participate in the arrangements. Volunteers are working to place earthen lamps in organised patterns across the designated locations.
The preparations involve coordinating the supply of diyas, oil, cotton wicks, cleaning operations and volunteer teams to ensure that the large-scale lighting ceremony proceeds smoothly.
Grand Saryu Aarti with 2,147 Participants
The traditional Saryu Aarti will be another major highlight of the celebrations.
According to the announced arrangements, approximately 2,147 participants are expected to take part in the grand religious ceremony.
The event will feature Vedic chanting and traditional aarti rituals along the riverfront, creating a devotional atmosphere for pilgrims and visitors attending the festival.
22 Ramayana-Themed Tableaux to Showcase Lord Rama’s Journey
Deepotsav 2026 will also feature 22 specially designed tableaux based on the seven sections of the Ramayana.
The presentations are expected to include Ram Rath, Ram Darbar and Pushpak Viman, bringing important episodes from the epic to life.
International cultural participation will add another dimension to the festival. Ramlila groups from South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Laos and Thailand are expected to showcase their respective theatrical traditions.
Cultural programmes will also take place at Ram Katha Park and other designated venues
Deepotsav Creates Employment Opportunities for Local Artisans
Beyond its religious significance, Ayodhya Deepotsav is increasingly becoming an important source of livelihood for local communities.
This year, an order worth approximately ₹12.8 lakh has been placed for 1.60 lakh diyas produced by 25 rural women from Ayodhya and Barabanki.
Additionally, information released about the preparations indicates that 197 potters had received electric pottery wheels by October 2026 to improve their production capacity.
The growing demand for traditional earthen lamps is helping rural artisans and pottery families participate in the festival’s expanding economic ecosystem.
Three-Tier Security Arrangements for Visitors
With a large number of devotees and tourists expected to visit Ayodhya, authorities have strengthened security and traffic management arrangements.
On November 7, vehicle movement on Ram Path and Dharma Path is scheduled to remain restricted during the main celebrations.
A three-tier security arrangement has been planned across the event area, with police deployment at important routes and sensitive locations.
Visitors are advised to check the latest official traffic advisories and entry instructions before travelling to Ayodhya.
Ayodhya Deepotsav: Growth from 2017 to 2026
Since its first edition in 2017, Deepotsav has expanded significantly in terms of scale and participation.
| Year | Number of Diyas |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Approximately 1.71 lakh |
| 2025 | 26.17 lakh |
| 2026 | Target of more than 30 lakh |
A Celebration of Faith, Culture and Modern Technology
The tenth edition of Ayodhya Deepotsav represents a combination of India’s religious traditions, cultural heritage and modern technological presentations.
From millions of earthen lamps illuminating the Saryu riverfront to the planned 2,100-drone Ramayana show, the celebration is expected to attract attention from across India and abroad.
With the main event scheduled for November 7, all eyes are now on Ayodhya. If the target is successfully achieved, the 2026 edition could mark another significant milestone in the history of the city’s Deepotsav celebrations.
