Ayodhya: The holy city of Ayodhya woke up to a festive glow on Saturday as Deepotsav celebrations got under way, with folk culture, music and colour spilling across the city. Cultural programmes have been going on since early morning, and the mood along the banks of the Saryu is one of anticipation and devotion.
The Ramnagri has been dressed up for the occasion. Streets, ghats and public spaces have been decorated, and the Saryu riverfront looks especially striking with its artistic decorations. Visitors arriving since morning have been greeted by a scene that blends tradition with celebration.
Artists in traditional attire have drawn much of the attention. Folk dancers performing to energetic rhythms have kept the crowds engaged, while the sound of dhols and nagadas has echoed through the area, giving the festivities an earthy and joyful character. The performances bring together different styles of music, dance and costume, reflecting the diversity of India’s folk traditions.
Tableaux based on episodes from the Ramayana have been another major draw. The jhankis bring familiar stories from the epic to life, and many onlookers paused to watch, take photographs and soak in the atmosphere. For children and elders alike, they are a reminder of the narratives and values that have shaped the city’s identity for generations.
The festival carries deep meaning for Ayodhya. According to tradition, Diwali marks Lord Ram’s return to the city after fourteen years of exile, and lighting diyas is a way of recreating that welcome. Against that backdrop, the day’s cultural performances serve as a prelude, setting a celebratory tone before the lamps are lit.
Held on the eve of Diwali, Deepotsav has become one of the most prominent events in Ayodhya’s calendar. In recent years it has drawn attention for the sheer scale of the diyas lit along the Saryu, and it is widely seen as a symbol of the city’s cultural revival.
The main spectacle is still to come. As evening falls, lakhs of diyas will be lit along the Saryu ghats, turning the riverfront into a vast sheet of golden light. The sight of countless flames reflected in the flowing water draws devotees and tourists from different parts of the country, and the wait for it has built excitement through the day.
For those who cannot be in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Tourism has encouraged people to follow its official social media handles, where updates on every key moment of the festival will be shared.
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