Lucknow: Ayodhya is set to host a grand Deepotsav during the upcoming Diwali celebrations, with the Uttar Pradesh government targeting the lighting of 26,50,101 diyas (earthen lamps) across 56 ghats. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh has directed officials to ensure that Deepotsav 2026 is organised on a grand scale with meticulous arrangements.
Reviewing preparations at Tourism Bhawan in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Singh said diyas would be lit at major locations including Ram Ki Paidi, Laxman Kila Ghat, Chaudhary Charan Singh Ghat and Bhajan Sandhya Sthal Ghat. Around 35,000 volunteers are expected to participate in the lamp-lighting exercise.
The minister said the event would be presented as the Ayodhya Deepotsav Record, with the focus on making the celebration distinctive and expansive. He warned that negligence in preparations would not be tolerated.
A drone light show will be organised from the Ram Ki Paidi stage, while a green fire show is planned at the stage near the Saryu Aarti venue. Ramleela performances by groups from different countries and Indian states will be staged at Ram Katha Park. More than 240 prominent temples and monasteries will independently participate in the lamp-lighting, while lighting arrangements will be coordinated through the Ayodhya Teerth Vikas Parishad.
Lamp-lighting will also be organised at 25 major intersections across the district with the participation of industry and trade organisations. Officials have been directed to prepare lists of visitors and invited guests, including proposals to invite heads of state, in line with the Chief Minister’s expectations.
The estimated expenditure for the event is around ₹6.75 crore, covering diyas, mustard oil, volunteer supplies, food, lighting at temples and important locations, and event management.
The Culture Department will organise a series of cultural programmes. Ramleela groups from countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Russia, Nepal and Sri Lanka are expected to perform at Ram Katha Park through ICCR or other channels.
Cultural performances by folk artists will also be held at Guptar Ghat, Badi Devi Kali, Hanuman Gufa, Birla Dharamshala, Bharatkund and Tulsi Udyan, among other locations.
Around 1,000 folk artists from West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra will participate in a cultural procession featuring tableaux and exhibitions depicting episodes from the Ramayana.
The Information Department will arrange grand tableaux from Saket Mahavidyalaya to Ram Katha Park, along with branding, invitation cards, hoardings, unipoles, rooftop publicity, LED vans and other promotional activities. A media centre and internet facilities at the media control room will also be established.
Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Culture and Director, Culture, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Special Secretary Deepa Ranjan, Tourism Advisor J.P. Singh and senior officials of the Tourism and Culture departments attended the review meeting.
