Deepotsav 2026 begins in Ayodhya with 1.51 lakh diyas lighting the ghats
Synopsis
Ayodhya's annual Deepotsav entered its 2026 edition with a record 1.51 lakh diyas illuminating the Gomti riverbank at Maa Kamakhya Dham — surpassing its own previous record. With drone and laser show trials set to begin Friday and the grand Diwali finale approaching, the city once again positions itself as the spiritual centrepiece of India's biggest festival.
Key Takeaways
Deepotsav 2026 commenced in Ayodhya on 5 November 2026 , the sixth annual edition of the event.
1.51 lakh diyas were lit at Maa Kamakhya Dham on the banks of the Gomti river , breaking a past record.
BJP MLA Ram Chandra Yadav credited Nagar Panchayat officers, councillors, students, and community members for the event's success.
District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi confirmed Thursday was a 'trial Aarti'; drone and laser show trials to begin on Friday .
Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya and other saints participated in the diya lighting at Ramghat, Ayodhya .
In Moradabad , the Municipal Corporation lit five lakh lamps at Ramlila Ground as part of parallel Deepotsav celebrations.
The 2026 edition of Deepotsav commenced in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday, 5 November 2026, with the banks of the Gomti river at Maa Kamakhya Dham illuminated by 1.51 lakh earthen lamps during the sixth annual celebration. The event marks the run-up to Diwali, with the grand finale slated for the following day.
Record-Breaking Lamp Lighting at Kamakhya Dham
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ram Chandra Yadav confirmed that this year's lamp count of more than 1,51,000 diyas surpassed the event's own previous record. Speaking at the celebrations, Yadav said: 'I extend a warm welcome and greetings to all the residents of this region and all devotees of the Goddess in the grand Deepotsav celebrations at Kamakhya Dham.'
Yadav credited local authorities, panchayat officers, councillors, students, and community members for the event's success, adding: 'I pray to the Goddess to continue showering her blessings upon the devotees.'
Trial Aarti and Upcoming Drone and Laser Shows
Ayodhya District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi said that Thursday's proceedings were structured as a 'trial Aarti' ahead of the final Diwali celebrations. 'The participants will be practicing today. From tomorrow, trials for other features like the drone show and laser show will also begin,' he told reporters. The staged approach ensures that the main event — attended by thousands of devotees and tourists — runs smoothly.
Saints and Spiritual Leaders Join the Celebrations
Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, Peethadhishwar of Tapasvi Chhawani, along with other saints, took part in the lighting of diyas in Ayodhya. Paramhans Acharya noted the deep historical significance of the site, saying: 'This is the Ramghat area of Ramnagari Ayodhya. Shri Tapasvi Ji's Chhawani is located here, which is one of the oldest camps and seats of saints. Its history is associated with the Ramayana period.' He added that the tradition traces back to the era when sages reportedly gathered there upon the appearance of Shri Ram.
Moradabad Also Marks Deepotsav 2026
Parallel celebrations were held in Moradabad, also in Uttar Pradesh, where the Moradabad Municipal Corporation organised Deepotsav 2026 at Ramlila Ground. On Thursday, five lakh earthen lamps were lit as part of the festivities, reflecting the event's expanding footprint across the state.
As Uttar Pradesh's most prominent pre-Diwali event, Deepotsav has grown steadily in scale since its inception, drawing national and international attention to Ayodhya's cultural and spiritual heritage each year.
Point of View
Timed deliberately around Diwali to amplify Ayodhya's global profile. The record-breaking diya count — now exceeding 1.51 lakh at a single venue — reflects a year-on-year escalation in scale that is as much about political optics as spiritual observance. What mainstream coverage tends to underplay is the logistical machinery behind it: Nagar Panchayat bodies, local schools, and community groups who provide the actual labour force. The expansion to cities like Moradabad signals that the template is being replicated statewide, turning a single-city celebration into a Uttar Pradesh-wide cultural and political statement ahead of the festival season.
NationPress
5 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deepotsav 2026 in Ayodhya?
Deepotsav 2026 is the sixth annual festival of lights held in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to mark the days leading up to Diwali. This year, over 1.51 lakh earthen lamps were lit at Maa Kamakhya Dham on the banks of the Gomti river on 5 November 2026, breaking the event's own previous record.
When is the grand finale of Deepotsav 2026?
The grand finale of Deepotsav 2026 is scheduled for Diwali, the day after the trial Aarti held on 5 November. District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi confirmed that drone and laser show trials would begin on Friday ahead of the main event.
Who attended the Deepotsav 2026 celebrations in Ayodhya?
BJP MLA Ram Chandra Yadav, Ayodhya District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi, Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya (Peethadhishwar of Tapasvi Chhawani), and other saints and devotees participated in the celebrations. Local Nagar Panchayat officials, councillors, students, and community members also contributed to the event.
Is Deepotsav 2026 only in Ayodhya?
No, Deepotsav 2026 is being observed across Uttar Pradesh. In Moradabad, the Municipal Corporation organised celebrations at Ramlila Ground, where five lakh earthen lamps were lit on 5 November 2026 as part of the same statewide initiative.
What is the historical significance of Ramghat and Tapasvi Chhawani in Ayodhya?
According to Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, Tapasvi Chhawani at Ramghat is one of the oldest saint camps in Ayodhya, with roots believed to trace back to the Ramayana period. It is said that saints and sages gathered there when Shri Ram appeared, giving the site the name 'Chhawani' — a traditional encampment of saints.
