Ayodhya: The holy city of Ayodhya is preparing for another historic Deepotsav celebration, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath setting a target of lighting 26.11 lakh earthen lamps on the banks of the Ram Ki Paidi on October 19. To achieve this, over 28 lakh lamps will be arranged across the ghats in intricate patterns depicting episodes from Lord Ram’s life.
More than 32,000 volunteers will participate in this mega event, handling the decoration and lighting of the diyas. The evening will also feature a laser light show and eco-friendly green fireworks, adding grandeur while minimizing environmental impact. Mustard oil and sustainable materials will be used in the lamps to ensure a pollution-free celebration.
Tight administrative arrangements
The district administration has made elaborate preparations. Ayodhya ADM (City) Yogendra Pandey has been appointed as the chief nodal officer, with 20 other nodal officers from various departments assigned to oversee different aspects of the event. Cleanliness, security, and crowd management remain top priorities.
District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram said that strict security arrangements have been put in place with CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, police deployment, and medical teams on standby. A special cleanliness drive is also underway to maintain the sanctity and beauty of Ram Ki Paidi.
Cultural showcases and tableaux
The Information Department will organize 11 tableaux from Saket College to Ramkatha Park, recreating key episodes from the Ramayana with the help of modern technology. These moving exhibits will highlight Ayodhya’s rich cultural heritage. Traditional Ramleela performances and a collective Sarayu aarti—which had previously earned a world record—will also be part of the festivities, with another record attempt this year.
Rising records each year
The scale of the festival has grown steadily since its inception in 2017.
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2017: 1.71 lakh lamps
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2018: 3.01 lakh lamps
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2019: 4.04 lakh lamps
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2020: 6.06 lakh lamps
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2021: 9.41 lakh lamps
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2022: 15.76 lakh lamps
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2023: 22.23 lakh lamps
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2024: Target of 26.11 lakh lamps
The administration expects huge crowds of devotees and tourists from across India and abroad to witness the spectacle. With laser shows, eco-friendly fireworks, vibrant tableaux, and millions of lamps, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav 2024 promises to be its grandest yet.
