As dusk settles over the sacred city, Ayodhya stands on the threshold of its grandest celebration yet, Deepotsav 2025. The ninth edition of this iconic festival of lights has already begun transforming the city with music, devotion, and technology-led experiences.
The festivities, which commenced on October 17, will culminate tomorrow with the spectacular lighting of 26,11,101 diyas across 56 ghats of the Saryu River, marking yet another milestone in Ayodhya’s radiant journey.
UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deepotsav has become a living example of how faith, culture, and innovation can work together. This year’s celebration is about inclusion, with both offline and online darshan ensuring that everyone, everywhere, can experience the glow of Ayodhya. From 26 lakh diyas and 2,100 scholars to 1,100 drones and 33,000 volunteers, Deepotsav 2025 is a collective prayer of devotion and discipline.”
What began in 2017 with 1.71 lakh diyas has now risen fifteenfold, symbolising not just a record-breaking scale but the deepening bond between faith and community. This year’s celebrations will extend beyond Ram ki Paidi, covering newly developed ghats like Rajghat, Guptarghat, and Laxman Kila Ghat. Every corner of the city, from approach roads to temple routes, is aglow with thematic arches, decorative facades, and artistic light installations, turning Ayodhya into one vast living canvas of devotion.
At the heart of this massive event stands a disciplined force of 33,000 volunteers, students, local youth, teachers, and social groups, ensuring that every diya finds its place and every visitor feels safe. Adding to the sanctity, 2,100 Vedic scholars will perform a synchronised Maha Aarti, their chants resonating across the Saryu in unison with conch shells and bells. The moment will embody Ayodhya’s soul, disciplined, divine, and deeply human.
This year’s Deepotsav seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. The newly launched Deepotsav AR App will allow visitors to witness animated scenes from the Ramayana through their mobile devices at key locations along Ram ki Paidi. The Divya Ayodhya App enables devotees worldwide to experience a 360-degree virtual darshan, a first-of-its-kind integration of offline and online participation.
Behind the scenes, an AI-based crowd intelligence system is keeping the event safe, monitoring real-time footfall and guiding the flow of pilgrims.
The evening skies will be brought to life by 1,100 Made-in-India drones forming dazzling aerial images of “Jai Shri Ram,” Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevani mountain, and the Ram Setu, merging devotion with design.
From the symbolic Rajyabhishek and Bharat Milap reenactments to a spirited Vanar Sena of 100 children and youth competitions under Mera Deep, Mera Vishwas, Deepotsav 2025 embraces people of every age.
The grand Shobhayatra will showcase seven Kanda tableaux from the Ramayana, interwoven with floats carrying messages of cleanliness, women’s empowerment, and social harmony.