Over 30 Lakh Diyas to Illuminate Ayodhya as Vice-President Attends Celebrations

More than 30 lakh earthen lamps are set to illuminate Ayodhya as the city prepares for the 10th edition of its grand Deepotsav celebrations on the eve of Diwali. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan is scheduled to attend the event as the chief guest, which will feature religious ceremonies, cultural performances and a spectacular display of lights along the Saryu River.

The main celebrations will take place at Ram Ki Paidi, where more than 30 lakh diyas have been arranged with the assistance of over 35,000 volunteers. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple premises will also be decorated with approximately one lakh earthen lamps, adding to the festive atmosphere across the holy city.

During his visit, the Vice-President is scheduled to offer prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, participate in the symbolic coronation ceremony of Lord Shri Ram and honour religious leaders. A grand Maha Aarti will also be organised on the banks of the Saryu River as part of the celebrations.

A colourful procession featuring traditional music and dance performances has been planned from Saket College. Covering approximately three kilometres, the procession will pass through Ram Katha Park and Ram Path, showcasing the cultural traditions associated with Lord Ram.

The 10th edition of Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 will also feature performances by around 2,500 artists from India and abroad across 12 stages. Artists from countries including South Africa, Sri Lanka and Laos will present traditional Ramleela performances, highlighting the international influence of the Ramayana.

The annual Deepotsav festival commemorates the traditional belief that Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile. The city marks the occasion through large-scale lamp-lighting ceremonies and cultural programmes. This year’s celebrations are expected to draw visitors from different parts of the country and abroad, highlighting Ayodhya’s religious heritage and cultural significance while making the city a major centre of Diwali festivities.