3 Million Diyas to Illuminate 56 Ghats on November 7

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Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: The holy city of Ayodhya is gearing up for the 10th edition of Deepotsav 2026, with preparations underway for one of the grandest celebrations of the festival of lights. Around 3 million earthen lamps are planned to illuminate 56 ghats along the banks of the Saryu River, including the iconic Ram Ki Paidi.The main Deepotsav celebration is scheduled for November 7, 2026, a day before Diwali, which falls on November 8. The celebrations will feature a grand Saryu Aarti, international Ramleela performances, a large-scale drone light show, cultural processions, and several religious programmes.

3 Million Diyas Planned Across 56 Ghats

According to the latest reports on preparations, Ayodhya is targeting the lighting of approximately 30 lakh, or 3 million, earthen lamps this year.

The major locations include Ram Ki Paidi, Lakshman Kila Ghat, Chaudhary Charan Singh Ghat and Bhajan Sandhya Sthal, among other locations along the Saryu River.

Around 35,000 volunteers are expected to participate in the lamp-lighting arrangements. Reports also indicate that approximately 33 lakh diyas are being arranged to account for breakage and damaged lamps during preparations.

An earlier target of 26,50,101 diyas was reported during a review of preparations by Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh in September. Subsequent reports in October indicated that the target had been increased to approximately 30 lakh.

Will Ayodhya Set a New Guinness World Record?

One of the biggest talking points of Deepotsav 2026 is the possibility of another record-breaking achievement.

In 2025, Ayodhya lit 26,17,215 diyas and secured a Guinness World Record for the largest display of oil lamps at a single location.

However, the record competition has changed in 2026. On September 17, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh reportedly illuminated 33,27,125 diyas along the banks of the Kshipra River.

With the current target of 30 lakh diyas, Ayodhya could surpass its own previous achievement of 26.17 lakh lamps. However, the proposed target remains below Ujjain’s reported 33.27 lakh figure.

Therefore, while Ayodhya is preparing for a new record of its own, the 30-lakh target alone would not be sufficient to claim the world’s largest diya-lighting record.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also referred to the record-setting ambition on October 27, stating that devotees of Lord Ram were preparing to create another world record in diya lighting.

2,147 Priests to Perform Grand Saryu Aarti

The grand Saryu Aarti will be another major attraction of this year’s celebration.

On November 7, approximately 2,147 priests are scheduled to perform the collective Aarti along the riverfront.

According to reported programme details, the Aarti will take place between approximately 5:20 PM and 5:50 PM, covering the stretch from Lakshman Kila Ghat towards Naya Ghat and Ram Ki Paidi.

The participation of more than 2,100 priests is expected to create a spectacular spiritual atmosphere along the riverfront.

2,100-Drone Light Show and Green Fire Show

Technology will play an important role in the celebrations this year.

A drone light show involving approximately 2,100 drones is among the major planned attractions. The aerial presentation is expected to depict episodes from the Ramayana and showcase the cultural and spiritual heritage of Lord Ram’s birthplace.

A green fire show near the Saryu Aarti venue is also expected to add to the visual appeal of the celebrations.

Together, these attractions aim to offer visitors a combination of traditional religious celebrations and modern visual experiences.

International Ramleela and Cultural Performances

The tenth edition of Deepotsav will also feature international Ramleela performances.

Artists from countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Russia, Nepal and Sri Lanka are expected to present performances based on the Ramayana.

In addition, around 1,000 folk artists from different Indian states are expected to participate in cultural processions and performances.

These presentations will showcase the traditions of states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Temples, monasteries and prominent public locations across Ayodhya will also participate in the celebrations through lamp-lighting and cultural programmes.

Will CM Yogi Adityanath and Amit Shah Attend?

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has publicly highlighted the importance of the tenth edition of Deepotsav.

On October 27, he described the event as an important showcase of Ayodhya’s cultural heritage, religious traditions and development since 2017. He also referred to the preparations for another record in diya lighting.

Meanwhile, reports have indicated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the November 7 celebration in Ayodhya for the first time.

The presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior state ministers is also expected. However, as of November 3, a final official confirmation of the Chief Minister’s personal attendance on November 7 was not clearly available in the reports reviewed.

From 1.71 Lakh Diyas in 2017 to 30 Lakh in 2026

Ayodhya’s Deepotsav began in 2017 with approximately 1.71 lakh earthen lamps. Since then, the celebration has grown significantly in scale and international recognition.

The 2025 edition saw 26,17,215 diyas illuminated, setting a Guinness World Record.

Now, with the tenth edition targeting approximately 30 lakh diyas, Ayodhya is preparing to surpass its previous achievement and create another memorable chapter in the festival’s history.

Conclusion: Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 is set to bring together faith, culture, technology and international participation on November 7. With 3 million diyas planned across 56 ghats, a grand Aarti by 2,147 priests, a 2,100-drone show and international Ramleela performances, the event promises to be a major attraction. The final lamp count and any new world-record recognition will depend on the actual event and official verification.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and statements as of November 3, 2026. Final arrangements, attendance of dignitaries, the actual number of diyas and Guinness World Records recognition remain subject to official confirmation.