Ayodhya radiates cultural splendour as Ram Temple Dharm Dhwaj ceremony enlivens the city

Ayodhya transformed into a vibrant canvas of colour, rhythm and devotion on Tuesday as thousands gathered to witness the grand Dhwajarohan atop the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Vivah Panchami.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence adding solemnity and pride, the temple town spent the day immersed in music and dance performed by more than 500 artists from across Uttar Pradesh.

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The Uttar Pradesh Culture Department curated a series of performances that stretched from the temple precincts to major city crossings, turning Ayodhya into a festive corridor of sights and sounds.

UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the celebrations reflected the spiritual and cultural identity of Ayodhya. He noted that the curated performances echoed the Prime Minister’s vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, bringing together folk traditions from diverse regions on one sacred platform.

Artists from various districts showcased Uttar Pradesh’s folk diversity, including Mayur dance from Mathura; Rai dance from Jhansi; Faruwwahi, Badhawa and Karwaha from Ayodhya; Avadhi performances from Lucknow; Karma and Barah Singha from Sonbhadra; Dhedhiya from Prayagraj; Dhobiya from Azamgarh and Vantangiya dance from Gorakhpur.

Each ensemble of 15 performers brought its own rhythm and cultural flavour to the celebrations.

Musicians from Bhatkhande Sanskriti Mahavidyalaya filled the ambience with the sounds of shehnai, sarangi, pakhawaj, bansuri, sarod and sitar. These instrumental performances were complemented by Sufi singing, Brij folk singing, bhajan ensembles and devotional band presentations.

Artists participated from Unnao, Muzaffarnagar, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi and Prayagraj.

The cultural evening featured Kathak alongside multiple folk-dance segments, offering a sweeping view of Uttar Pradesh’s artistic spectrum and Ayodhya’s living heritage.

Cultural showcases were organised at Maharsi Valmiki Airport, Shankh Chauraha, the Airport–Sultanpur Road crossing, Bhavdeeh Chauraha, Choodamani Chauraha, Lata Chowk and Ram ki Paidi—turning the city into a continuous festive route.

Minister Jaiveer Singh said the festivities revived the spirit of the Treta Yug. “The cultural expressions from Braj, Awadh, Bundelkhand, Purvanchal and the Terai show how Uttar Pradesh’s heritage keeps the spirit of unity in diversity alive,” he said.