Security has been significantly strengthened across Ayodhya ahead of the city's high-profile Deepotsav 2026 celebrations, with NSG commandos and the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) among the forces deployed to ensure safe and smooth conduct of the annual Diwali festival event. Final preparations are underway in the sacred temple town as authorities coordinate logistics for what is expected to be a large-scale public gathering.

Key Security Briefing at Ram Katha Park

A high-level security briefing was convened at Ram Katha Park on Thursday, attended by senior officials including Additional Director General (ADG) of Ayodhya Range Praveen Kumar, District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Grover. Officials issued directives to ensure tight coordination between local residents, the district administration, and police personnel.

ADG Praveen Kumar told reporters: 'There are a series of events here during the Hindu month of Kartik. Everyone remains vigilant regarding security as a large number of devotees visit Ayodhya.' He added that the event would be conducted through 'proper coordination between locals, the administration and the police,' and confirmed that drones and other surveillance technologies would be deployed throughout the celebrations.

In addition to ground-level police presence, the event is being monitored from a central control room via an extensive network of CCTV cameras. This multi-layered security framework reflects the scale of footfall Deepotsav typically draws — tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists converge on Ayodhya during the Kartik month each year.

Tradition Meets Technology at Deepotsav 2026

The 2026 edition of Deepotsav is designed to blend tradition with modern technology, incorporating a series of immersive presentations aimed particularly at younger audiences. Tableaux are being assembled at Ayodhya's KS Saket PG College ground, depicting scenes from the Ramayana as well as the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047', the BrahMos missile, and development milestones across Uttar Pradesh.

Artisans from Kolkata and Kanpur are adding finishing touches to the chariot of Lord Ram. One of the craftsmen, Sanjay Gupta, said: 'The Ram Rath is being constructed, on which (artists dressed as) Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lord Laxman, and Lord Hanuman will ride to the consecration site. It is 80 per cent ready. The remaining 20 per cent will be completed today.'

Communal Harmony and the Spirit of Deepotsav

The celebrations have drawn warm words from across the community. Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari reflected on the festival's broader significance, saying: 'Diwali is a festival whose joy is celebrated across the country and the world. It is celebrated with even greater enthusiasm in Ayodhya because Lord Ram resides here... This is the beauty of Ayodhya.'

His remarks underline a recurring theme around Ayodhya's annual Deepotsav — a celebration that has grown in scale and visibility since the consecration of the Ram Temple in January 2024, increasingly functioning as a showcase of both religious heritage and national cultural identity.

What to Expect

With preparations in their final stages and security arrangements now fully activated, Deepotsav 2026 is set to proceed as one of the most closely watched festival events in Uttar Pradesh this year. Authorities have assured that the event will be conducted without disruption, backed by drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and elite force deployment.