Ayodhya's 10th Deepotsav kicked off on Saturday, 7 November with vibrant folk performances, state tableaux, and a sweeping display of India's cultural traditions, transforming the sacred city of Ramnagari into a living canvas of colour and devotion. The centrepiece of the evening — the simultaneous lighting of more than 30 lakh earthen lamps across 56 ghats, including the iconic Ram Ki Paidi — was set to take place in the presence of Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Tableaux and Cultural Procession

Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh flagged off the procession of tableaux from Saket College, launching a colourful march through the city's streets. The procession featured representations of folk traditions from states across the country, interspersed with scenes from the Ramayana. Resounding beats of drums and cymbals, the rhythmic movements of Dhobiya dancers, and artists dressed in traditional costumes filled the lanes of Ramnagari with festive energy. Women drummed at the front of the procession while devotees and tourists showered flower petals on the performers along the route.

Artists from Across India Converge on Ayodhya

A 15-member team from Mathura presented the traditional peacock dance, with performers describing it as a matter of great fortune to perform on the land of Lord Ram, even as devotees of Lord Krishna. A 15-member tribal artist team from Telangana enthralled spectators with the energetic Gusadi dance — clad in traditional attire and crowns adorned with peacock feathers, they performed to the thunder of drums. Additional teams from Mathura performing Nagada and Bam Rasiya also joined the festivities.

Team member Laxman Beniwal noted that his group has participated in the Ayodhya festival every year and was also present during the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla. He expressed hope that the festival would continue to grow in grandeur. A female performer, participating in such cultural events for the first time, said she was 'extremely happy' to showcase her talent in Ayodhya, with the entire troupe dedicating their performances to Lord Ram and the people of the city.

Scale of Arrangements at the Ghats

Around 35,000 volunteers from Avadh University worked continuously for three days to complete arrangements for the lamp-lighting ceremony. By Saturday morning, volunteers were engaged in filling lamps with oil and placing cotton wicks. To manage the sprawling event, 900 ghat coordinators, 112 ghat in-charges, and 27 supervisors have been deployed across the riverfront. 2,147 priests are set to participate in the Saryu Maha Aarti.

Drone Show and Temple Illumination

A spectacular drone show featuring 2,100 drones will recreate episodes from the Ramayana in the night sky above the Saryu River, adding a modern visual layer to the ancient spiritual celebration. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has been decorated with colourful lights for the occasion. Devotees and tourists from across the country have continued to pour into Ayodhya, with a festive atmosphere prevailing across temples, major roads, and ghats — marked by folk dances, Ramlila performances, and rows of illuminated lamps.

Now in its 10th consecutive year, Deepotsav has grown from a state-level cultural programme into one of India's most-watched public celebrations, drawing visitors and artists from every corner of the country.