Dr. Vishakha Srivastava
Ayodhya: The holy city of Ayodhya is gearing up with unparalleled grandeur to welcome Lord Ram during Deepotsav 2025, as preparations reach their peak. With the construction of the Ram Temple nearing completion, the celebration this year is set to be the most magnificent in history.
For the first time, the entire 70-acre temple complex will glow with one lakh diyas, symbolizing devotion, pride, and national unity. The four grand entrances of the Ram Temple—named after Jagadguru Ramanandacharya, Jagadguru Madhvacharya, Adi Shankaracharya, and Jagadguru Ramanujacharya—are being decorated with hundreds of quintals of flowers, creating a divine spectacle.
A Festival of Light, Faith and Tradition
According to temple trustee Dr. Anil Mishra, various types of lamps will be used to preserve tradition and protect the temple structure:
- Wax diyas on temple stones to prevent marking
- Mud oil lamps along the pathways and courtyards
- Cow-dung diyas with pure desi ghee in the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha)
The temple premises, parikrama paths, and connecting routes will be fully illuminated, offering an enchanting spiritual experience. The traditional rituals of the temple will continue unchanged, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the celebrations.
Record-Breaking Light Across the Ghats
Across 56 ghats from Ram Ki Paidi to the Saryu River, more than 33,000 volunteers are arranging 28 lakh diyas, aiming to break the previous world record. Officials confirmed that 70% of diya placement work has already been completed, with the rest finishing by Saturday.
Ram ki Paidi: 16 lakh diyas
Extended Ram Ki Paidi: 4.25 lakh diyas
Chaudhary Charan Singh Ghat: 4.75 lakh diyas
Bhajan Sandhya Ghat: 5.25 lakh diyas
Laxman Quila and nearby ghats: 1.25 lakh diyas
To ensure accuracy, drone-based counting will be used before Guinness World Records certifies the feat on 19 October, when 26,11,101 diyas will be lit simultaneously.
Temple Complex and City Decorated Like Heaven
The Saryu riverfront and Ram Ki Paidi area are already glowing with laser lighting. Lata Chowk has been bathed in vibrant multicolour illumination.
Inside the temple complex, six temples in the parikrama and the Saptrishi temples are being beautifully ornamented.
The celebration also includes 3D holographic musical laser shows, state-of-the-art drone displays with 1,100 ‘Make in India’ drones, and cultural performances on 18, 19, and 20 October. A major highlight will be the Maha Aarti by 2,100 Vedic priests on 19 October.
Community Effort of Unprecedented Scale
Deepotsav 2025 is not just a festival—it’s a movement of collective devotion. Of the 26 lakh diyas, nearly 16 lakh were handcrafted by 40 potter families from Ayodhya, Jaishinghpur, Pura Bazar, and Gosainganj villages. The remaining diyas were contributed by industrial units, social organizations, women’s groups, and citizens from across Uttar Pradesh.
To light the lamps, 55 lakh cotton wicks and 73,000 litres of oil are being used.
Final Rehearsals Underway
On Saturday evening at 7 PM, a technical rehearsal will be conducted by the tourism department, including testing of laser shows, drone choreography, lighting, and sound systems to ensure a flawless presentation.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said,
“This Deepotsav will be an unforgettable spiritual and visual experience for every visitor.”
With faith in every heart and light in every corner, Ayodhya stands ready in full magnificence—not just to celebrate Deepotsav, but to welcome Lord Ram into His eternal home with devotion, splendour, and history-making unity.
