Ayodhya prepares for 10th Deepotsav with millions of earthen lamps
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will participate in the celebrations on Saturday.
Ayodhya is preparing for the 10th edition of Deepotsav on Saturday, with the city decorated ahead of the festival of lights. According to The Assam Tribune, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has been adorned with floral arrangements and lighting, while special selfie points have been set up for visitors.
The celebrations will include the illumination of 56 ghats along the Saryu River with millions of earthen lamps. ANI reported that volunteers are working to light between 30 lakh and 35 lakh diyas, with approximately 35,000 volunteers assisting in the preparations.
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan is scheduled to formally inaugurate Deepotsav 2026 in the presence of religious leaders. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will participate in several programmes, including the Saryu Aarti, a symbolic coronation ceremony, and a chariot-pulling ceremony.
The Chief Minister is expected to reach a helipad near Ram Katha Park at around 2.40 p.m. to witness tableaux and shower flower petals over the city from a helicopter. The event will also feature projection mapping, laser shows, and drone shows.
Artists are currently rehearsing to portray characters from the Ramayana, including Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lord Hanuman, and Lakshman. Mohammad Islam, an artist from Barabanki who portrays Lord Hanuman, said he has been associated with the Ramleela for 17-18 years.