Ayodhya is preparing to celebrate Deepotsav 2025 with an ambitious goal: lighting a record-breaking 28 lakh diyas (earthen lamps). This spectacular display is intended to illuminate 56 ghats along the Saryu River, setting a new world record and surpassing last year's festivities, during which over 25 lakh diyas were lit. The Deepotsav celebration, which will occur from October 30 to November 3, with the main event on November 1, marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated extensive preparations to ensure the success of Deepotsav 2025. The Tourism Department is working diligently to create an unforgettable experience for the lakhs of devotees expected to visit. For the first time, Laxman Kila Ghat will be included in the festivities, adding to the grandeur of the event. Approximately 1.5 lakh diyas will illuminate Ram Ki Paidi and Chaudhary Charan Singh Ghats, while Bhajan Sandhya Ghat will sparkle with another 1.5 lakh lamps. Ram Ki Paidi, the centerpiece of the celebrations, will be adorned with 15-16 lakh diyas, creating a breathtaking spectacle. To manage this massive undertaking, 30,000 volunteers will be arranging 33 lakh earthen lamps, requiring 75,000 liters of oil and 55 lakh cotton wicks. Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University Faizabad has formed 22 committees to oversee every aspect of the festival, including coordination, security, lamp counting, traffic management, and cleanliness.
In addition to the diyas, Ayodhya will be adorned with Ramayana-inspired art. Flyovers, walls, and public spaces are being transformed into canvases depicting scenes from Lord Ram's life. These artworks, created by skilled local and national artists, will add visual depth to Ayodhya's spiritual narrative. Key locations will feature 3D murals, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Ram Katha visually. The celebrations will also include cultural performances, devotional music, and colorful processions. A 45-minute grand show at Ram Ki Paidi will narrate Lord Ram's story through projection mapping, laser effects, fireworks, and music, featuring over 100 artists. A special highlight will be a pollution-free green fireworks show on October 19, designed to meet international standards with a fusion of music, laser effects, and modern choreography. A 3D holographic laser show and an aerial drone show featuring 1,100 'Make in India' drones will be open to the public on October 18 and 19.
To ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors, the Municipal Corporation has deployed over 1,500 sanitation workers, supervised by 54 officers, to maintain cleanliness throughout Ayodhya Dham. Continuous efforts are underway for lime-spraying, anti-larvae treatment, and fogging in the fair area. Additionally, 30 mobile toilets with caretakers will be installed at key locations. Citizens are encouraged to keep the city polythene-free and participate in making Deepotsav a zero-waste celebration.
Deepotsav 2025 aims to be a confluence of faith and technology. The laser show will blend storytelling with technology, depicting Lord Ram's life and ideals along the Saryu ghats. The drone show will feature aerial formations such as 'Jai Shri Ram', Lord Ram with his bow, and the Ram Mandir, symbolizing the connection between the city's spiritual legacy and its present.
