Ayodhya’s Deepotsav to bring Ramayana’s seven Kands to life

This Deepotsav 2025, Ayodhya will witness a spectacular and meaningful celebration of faith, knowledge, and culture.

The grand Shobhayatra this year will feature seven magnificent tableaux based on the seven Kands of the Ramayana, each designed to not only depict the divine journey of Lord Ram but also explain to children and youth why each Kand bears its specific name, making the celebration a living classroom of values, history, and devotion.

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Describing the theme, UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said here on Tuesday that, “The tableaux have been crafted to generate awareness among the young generation about the essence of the Ramayana, why each Kand holds its name, and what virtues and lessons it teaches. Deepotsav this year will be both devotional and educational, helping people understand our epics in a new light.”

The Shobhayatra, starting from Saket Mahavidyalaya, will showcase the seven Kands, Bal Kand, Ayodhya Kand, Aranya Kand, Kishkindha Kand, Sundar Kand, Lanka Kand, and Uttar Kand, each tableau uniquely illustrating the reason behind its title.

For instance, the Bal Kand tableau will highlight the early life and virtues of young Lord Ram, symbolizing innocence, discipline, and the beginning of divine purpose, explaining why it is called Bal Kand.

The Ayodhya Kand will portray events like Lord Ram and Sita’s marriage and exile, symbolizing emotional strength and duty. The Aranya Kand will depict the forest exile, Sita Haran, and Jatayu’s sacrifice, showing devotion, loss, and perseverance.

Similarly, Kishkindha Kand will depict friendship and loyalty through Sugriv and Hanuman, while Sundar Kand will glorify Hanuman’s devotion and courage during his Lanka journey. The Lanka Kand will portray the triumph of good over evil through the battle with Ravana, and Uttar Kand will culminate in the coronation of Lord Ram, reflecting justice, peace, and dharma restored.

Each tableau will come alive through traditional dance, music, folk theatre, and vibrant costumes, turning the streets of Ayodhya into a living retelling of the Ramayana. The objective is to inspire children and youth to not only witness but understand the moral, emotional, and spiritual lessons embedded in each chapter.

Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “We want every child and visitor to leave Ayodhya not just with memories of beauty, but with lessons of dharma, compassion, and courage. Every tableau will tell a story that answers ‘why’ — why the Kand is called so, what message it carries, and how it continues to guide us today.”

As over 26 lakh diyas illuminate the sacred ghats and 2,100 devotees perform the Maha Aarti along the Saryu, the Shobhayatra will blend devotion with discovery. The sound of bhajans, the rhythm of traditional drums, and the visual splendour of the tableaux will turn Ayodhya into a living Ramayana.