Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026: 3D projections, AR and laser shows on Nov 7
Synopsis
Ayodhya's Deepotsav 2026 is going beyond diyas — a 28-minute multimedia show with 3D projection mapping, laser displays, a floating stage, and a geo-fenced AR mobile app letting visitors overlay Ramayan scenes on their surroundings. CM Yogi Adityanath will attend the 7 November main event, which the UP government is explicitly pitching at Gen Z.
Key Takeaways
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 runs from 5 to 9 November , with the main event on 7 November at Ram Ki Paidi .
A 28-minute multimedia presentation will combine projection mapping, laser displays, music, and live performances by more than 100 artists .
A first-of-its-kind Augmented Reality mobile app will let visitors view five Ramayan episodes as 3D scenes on their smartphones, supported by geo-fencing technology .
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the principal presentation on 7 November .
On Diwali (8 November) , four shows will be held; a special drone show is planned for 9 November for Ayodhya residents.
The event is organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and is also intended to boost the 'Visit My State' tourism campaign.
The 2026 edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya is set to transform the banks of Ram Ki Paidi into a high-tech cultural spectacle, blending centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge multimedia technology from 5 to 9 November 2026. Organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, the flagship event will feature 3D projection mapping, laser displays, aerial performances, and a first-of-its-kind Augmented Reality (AR) mobile experience — all designed to draw the younger generation into the story of Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya.
The Main Event: A 28-Minute Multimedia Spectacle
The centrepiece of this year's celebrations is a specially curated 28-minute presentation scheduled for 7 November, to be held in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The show will recreate the homecoming of Lord Ram through an elaborate combination of projection mapping, laser displays, synchronised music, and live performances. More than 100 artists will participate, presenting episodes from the Ramayan through Indian folk and classical art forms.
A floating stage is being constructed over the water at Ram Ki Paidi to serve as the primary performance platform. Advanced sound systems and outdoor LED walls will be installed to ensure the audience has a fully immersive experience. In addition to the main show, an eight-minute special laser show and a separate 20-minute multimedia projection mapping presentation will further enrich the programme.
Augmented Reality Comes to Ram Ki Paidi
A standout addition in the 2026 edition is an application-based Augmented Reality experience that will allow visitors to view five episodes from the Ramayan as 3D scenes directly on their smartphones, superimposed over their real surroundings. A dedicated mobile application will be developed for this purpose, supported by geo-fencing technology that restricts access to the AR content within the designated Ram Ki Paidi zone. Visitors will also be able to record and share these AR clips on social media platforms.
This marks a significant leap in the digital engagement strategy of Deepotsav, moving beyond passive viewing to interactive, personalised storytelling — a clear attempt to make the event relevant to Gen Z audiences.
What the Government Said
Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that this year's Deepotsav programmes had been specially designed keeping in mind the interests and preferences of Gen Z. The idea, he said, is to introduce the younger generation to Ayodhya's rich cultural heritage and the story of Lord Ram through modern technology and innovative storytelling formats.
Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, described the initiative as a way of presenting the city's heritage in a format that would appeal to contemporary audiences while retaining the essence of traditional narratives. He added that technologies such as projection mapping, laser shows, aerial performances, and augmented reality would offer a fresh and innovative way of presenting Lord Ram's story.
Full Programme Schedule
The multimedia projection shows and laser displays at Ram Ki Paidi will run from 5 to 9 November. The schedule is as follows: two trial shows on 5 November, a full-dress rehearsal on 6 November, and the principal presentation on 7 November — with three additional public shows on the same day. On 8 November, the day of Diwali, four shows are planned, though dance performances will not be included. A special drone show has been planned for 9 November, primarily for Ayodhya residents.
Broader Impact and Tourism Push
The initiative is also expected to support the 'Visit My State' campaign, highlighting Ayodhya's cultural attractions and encouraging wider tourism. This comes amid a sustained effort by the Uttar Pradesh government to position Ayodhya as a major religious and cultural tourism destination, particularly following the consecration of the Ram temple. Notably, the use of geo-fenced AR and floating stage technology represents one of the most ambitious production investments in Deepotsav's recent history.
With the full programme spanning five days and drawing on a convergence of traditional art, modern audiovisual design, and digital interactivity, the 2026 Deepotsav is shaping up as a landmark edition — one that could set a new benchmark for how India's major religious festivals are presented to a digitally native audience.
Point of View
Giving the UP government a way to drive physical footfall that no streaming broadcast can replicate. But the explicit 'Gen Z' framing is also a political signal: as Ayodhya's post-temple consecration tourism boom matures, the state needs repeat visitors and younger demographics, not just pilgrims. The real test will be execution — projection mapping and AR at this scale, outdoors, on a riverbank in November, is technically demanding. If the app works seamlessly and the floating stage delivers, this becomes a replicable model for India's heritage festivals. If it stumbles, it risks overshadowing what is otherwise a genuinely ambitious cultural production.
NationPress
3 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 and where will it be held?
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 runs from 5 to 9 November 2026, with the main event on 7 November at Ram Ki Paidi, Ayodhya. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the principal presentation on 7 November.
What is the Augmented Reality feature at Deepotsav 2026?
A dedicated mobile application will be developed that allows visitors at Ram Ki Paidi to scan designated locations and view 3D scenes from five episodes of the Ramayan superimposed on their real surroundings. The experience is geo-fenced, meaning it can only be accessed within the Ram Ki Paidi zone, and users can record and share the AR clips on social media.
What does the 28-minute main show at Deepotsav 2026 include?
The 28-minute central presentation on 7 November combines projection mapping, laser displays, synchronised music, lighting effects, and live performances by more than 100 artists presenting episodes from the Ramayan through folk and classical art forms. It will take place on a floating stage constructed over the water at Ram Ki Paidi.
What is the full schedule for Deepotsav 2026?
Trial shows are on 5 November, a full-dress rehearsal on 6 November, and the main event with three public shows on 7 November. On 8 November (Diwali), four shows run without dance performances. A special drone show for Ayodhya residents is planned for 9 November.
Why is the UP government using modern technology at a traditional religious festival?
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that the 2026 Deepotsav programmes were designed specifically to appeal to Gen Z, with the goal of connecting the younger generation to Ayodhya's cultural heritage through technology-driven storytelling. The initiative also supports the state's 'Visit My State' tourism promotion campaign.
