Every year, Ayodhya celebrates the return of Lord Ram after 14 years of exile, by lighting up diyas (earthen lamps) on the banks of Saryu River. This grand celebration is known by the name of Ayodhya Deepotsav. This magnificent celebration connects people with the culture, community and ancient mythology. Initially, it was mere a local observance but over the years, it has now turned into a grand spectacular celebration. The celebration in itself is a symbol of light conquering darkness. Ayodhya has planned to light over 26 lakh diyas this year. Diyas will be glowing on the ghats of Saryu. Officials are having hopes to create a Guinness World Record with such large scale of lamp-lighting, which will surpass the previous numbers.
This year, the Deepotsav celebration will begin on 19th of October with the departure of tableaux based on Shri Ram’s life, for Rampath. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh will be flagging off the tableaux and CM Yogi Adityanath will welcome it at Rampath.
What are the bulletins of this year’s Deepotsav?
- A 45-minutes long projection show will be performed at Ram ki Paidi. Show will also have tableaux, sound effects, costumes and live performers. The show will bring the story of Lord Ram’s return to life.
- About 1100 indigenous drones will be tasked to choreograph the scenes like “Ram Setu” “Hanuman Carrying Sanjeevani” from Ramayana. The drones will be illuminating the skies showing Ramayana scenes, alongside a 3-D holographic laser show.
- Around 50 figures of Ram, Sita, Hanuman and others from Ramayana will be placed in a wax museum.
- Several facilities and upgrades will be added to Ghats like Ram ki Paidi, for decoration with Diyas (earthen lamps) and accommodate larger number of people.
- Uttar Pradesh heath department on Tuesday said that 15 temporary hospitals are going to be installed for Deepotsav to ensure well-being of devotees and tourists.
- Reports say that booking slots for October 18 and 19 are fully reserved. Almost all the hotels in Ayodhya are fully packed till the end of October month. Alongside hotels, online booking for darshan at Raja Ram Darbaar is fully booked till October 29.
- Around 90 international artistes from Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal and Shri Lanaka will perform in show, bringing the Ramayana to life. These artistes will be blending their native art forms with Indian heritage. Fifteen artistes from Russia, ten from Thailand, ten artistes from Indonesia, thirty from Nepal and twenty-two performers from Sri Lanka will be performing in Deepotsav 2025, according to Hindustan Times.
What are the socio-economic effects of Deepotsav celebration?
- Festivals are not just about celebrations, but they are deeply rooted with the emotions of the people. It helps them sustain their heritage and traditions. The story of Ramayan is told and passed on across generations. Reason being why this festival holds a special place for millions of people.
- In recent years people have started giving importance to the cultural identity, due to which, the festival has scaled up significantly. It’s devotion and culture, that keep such a large population excited and enthusiastic for such festivals.
- While the celebration will bring joy and a sense of connection for tourists, local artisans, businessmen and tourism sector will be benefitted economically. Due to the festival, high demand will bring more opportunities to work for artisans. The hotels will also see an increase in the bookings.
- With the involvement of women and local people irrespective of their gender, religion or caste, the celebration also shows social inclusion while, with the use of eco-friendly fireworks denoting a sustainable approach.
What are the challenges to a harmonious celebration?
- Crowd control and safety: Millions of lamps on riverbanks, safe movement for people, fire risk management, and hygienic practices all need careful planning.
- Environmental concerns: Even though eco-friendly alternatives have reduced the effects of lamp oil, leftover wicks, and firework emissions, factors like their effects on river water, air quality, etc., still need to be taken into account.
- Cost and priorities: The amount spent on infrastructure and lighting for festivals is a topic of constant discussion, as is the amount spent on other pressing issues (such as sanitation, health care, and education outside of festival hours).
- Authenticity and balance: Some question whether the devotional essence of the event is maintained as it gets more complex with drones, visuals, and spectacles. Do high-tech practices trump low-tech ones?
Igniting faith and unity is the main goal of Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025, not just setting records or lighting millions of lamps. Every flame that illuminates the Saryu ghats under the innumerable diyas seems to convey a message of devotion, hope, and solidarity. Beyond the festivities and lights, Deepotsav serves as a reminder that customs can still unite people and warm hearts in times of change. It is a celebration of India’s vibrant spirit, where light always manages to shine through, as well as of Ayodhya’s past.
