Ayodhya is preparing for its 10th Deepotsav celebration, bringing together traditional rituals, illuminated riverfronts, cultural performances and new technology from November 6 to 8, 2026, with additional cultural activities planned through November 9.
The main celebrations will take place on November 7, when the banks of the Saryu River are expected to glow with millions of earthen lamps. This year’s programme also introduces an augmented-reality Ramayan experience, projection mapping, laser presentations and large-scale cultural performances.
For visitors, Deepotsav offers an opportunity to experience Ayodhya beyond its temples, with the city’s riverfront, heritage sites and public spaces becoming part of the celebrations.
1. Witness the Grand Diya Lighting at Ram Ki Paidi
The most anticipated moment of Deepotsav is the lighting of millions of earthen lamps along the Saryu riverfront.
Ram Ki Paidi is the central viewing location, with the celebrations extending across the city’s other ghats. For 2026, organisers have announced preparations involving approximately 30 lakh diyas across 56 ghats.
The illumination is planned for the evening of November 7, on the occasion of Chhoti Diwali. The lamps transform the riverfront into a vast display of light, making it one of the festival’s defining experiences.
The previous edition, in 2025, recorded 26,17,215 lamps, setting a Guinness World Records milestone.
2. Attend the Saryu Maha Aarti
The Saryu Maha Aarti is one of the festival’s most important devotional experiences.
For the 2026 edition, organisers are planning a ceremony involving 2,147 archaks, who will perform the ritual together along the riverfront. The proposed stretch extends from Laxman Kila Ghat towards Naya Ghat and Ram Ki Paidi.
The ceremony will bring together Vedic chanting, lamps and coordinated prayers beside the river. It is scheduled for the evening of November 7.
For visitors, attending the aarti offers a glimpse into Ayodhya’s religious traditions beyond the spectacular lighting displays.
3. Watch the Ramayan Shobha Yatra
The Ramayan Shobha Yatra brings episodes from the Ramayan to life through decorated tableaux, performers and cultural groups.
The procession is planned to begin at Saket Mahavidyalaya and move towards Dharm Path and Ram Katha Park. Performers dressed as characters from the epic and artists presenting traditional cultural forms are expected to participate.
The procession offers visitors an opportunity to experience the festival through storytelling, music and public performances rather than viewing the celebrations only from the riverfront.
4. Experience the Laser Show and Projection Mapping
This year’s celebrations will combine traditional storytelling with digital visual effects through a specially developed laser and projection-mapping presentation.
The planned show will run for approximately 28 minutes, combining an eight-minute laser presentation with 20 minutes of projection mapping. Its central theme is Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya.
The visuals, music and animation are being redesigned for the 2026 programme, with the aim of making the presentation more engaging for younger audiences.
The riverfront and surrounding structures will provide the backdrop for the performance.
5. Explore the New Augmented-Reality Ramayan Experience
One of the newest additions to Deepotsav 2026 is a location-based augmented-reality (AR) experience being developed for visitors.
The mobile experience will allow people to scan designated locations around Ram Ki Paidi and view five three-dimensional scenes from the Ramayan against the actual surroundings.
The application is being developed for iOS and Android, with features that will allow visitors to record and share the experience.
An important detail is that the AR feature is designed to work only within the Ram Ki Paidi area. Visitors should look for the official app instructions and download information before relying on the experience during their visit.
6. Enjoy the Cultural Performances and Ramlila
Cultural performances are an important part of Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations. This year’s programme will bring together folk and classical artists, theatrical performances and international Ramlila groups.
The main presentation at Ram Katha Park on November 7 is expected to feature more than 100 artists. A floating stage, aerial performances and moving props will help narrate episodes associated with Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya.
The broader programme also includes performances by artists from different cultural traditions, giving visitors an opportunity to experience how the Ramayan is interpreted through different artistic forms.
These performances add a cultural dimension to the festival beyond the lighting ceremonies and technological displays.
7. Visit the Illuminated Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
A visit to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is another important part of a Deepotsav trip.
The temple complex is being prepared for the festival with approximately one lakh diyas planned across different areas. These include the temple premises, Kuber Tila, Saptamandap, Sheshavatar Temple, Hutatma Memorial and other sections of the complex.
The illumination will complement the celebrations along the Saryu riverfront and the wider Ramayan-themed decorations across Ayodhya.
Visitors can also explore nearby religious landmarks such as Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and Dashrath Mahal. Temple entry and darshan arrangements should be checked separately, as festival crowds can affect access.
Deepotsav 2026: Important Dates and Programme
The celebrations are scheduled across several days, but November 7 is the main evening for the large-scale diya lighting and central cultural programme.
| Date | Planned activities |
|---|---|
| November 5 | Trial presentations and preparatory cultural activities |
| November 6 | Shobha Yatra and full dress rehearsal |
| November 7 | Main Deepotsav, Saryu Maha Aarti, diya lighting, cultural performances and visual presentations |
| November 8 | Diwali celebrations, temple visits and additional public shows |
| November 9 | Extended festivities and a separate 2,100-drone presentation planned for Ayodhya residents |
The schedule may be revised by the local administration. In particular, the November 9 drone presentation has been announced as a residents-only event and should not be assumed to be open to visiting tourists.
How to Reach Ayodhya
By air: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham, is the nearest airport. Travellers can also consider flights to Lucknow, followed by a road journey to Ayodhya.
By train: Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt are the main railway stations serving the city. Additional trains may operate around the festival period.
By road: Ayodhya is connected to Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj and other major Uttar Pradesh cities by road. Festival-related traffic diversions and restrictions may affect journey times.
Where to Stay During Deepotsav
Accommodation demand generally increases considerably during Deepotsav, particularly around November 7 and 8.
Visitors can explore hotels and guesthouses near Ayodhya Dham, Ram Path and the railway station. Lucknow is another possible base for travellers unable to secure accommodation in Ayodhya, although this adds travel time.
The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation has also announced a two-night, three-day package for November 6–8 at ₹16,999 per person, excluding GST, with accommodation, specified meals and transport. Travellers should confirm availability and inclusions directly with the corporation.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ayodhya During Deepotsav
- Reach the Ram Ki Paidi area well before the evening celebrations. Crowd-management arrangements may restrict late entry.
- Check whether an official entry pass or registration is required for the designated viewing areas.
- Expect road diversions and parking restrictions around major temples and riverfront locations.
- Wear comfortable footwear because much of the experience involves walking.
- Follow local instructions around the ghats, especially near the river.
- Do not light additional lamps or enter restricted areas without permission.
- Keep extra time for temple visits and railway or airport transfers.
Why Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 Is Worth Experiencing
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav brings together religious traditions, cultural performances and public celebrations on a remarkable scale. From the illumination of Ram Ki Paidi and the Saryu Maha Aarti to the new augmented-reality experience, this year’s programme combines familiar traditions with contemporary presentations.
For travellers, it also offers an opportunity to discover the city’s wider heritage, including its temples, riverfront and historic neighbourhoods.
With the main celebrations scheduled for November 7, 2026, Deepotsav promises a distinctive festive experience for visitors interested in India’s cultural and religious traditions.
