Ayodhya, India | November 8, 2026

Ayodhya turned into a sea of golden lights as millions of earthen lamps illuminated the banks of the Saryu River during the city’s grand Deepotsav celebrations. The sight of thousands of lamps glowing along the riverfront offered a striking reminder of India’s cultural and spiritual traditions.

The 10th edition of Deepotsav brought together religious ceremonies, cultural performances and modern technology, drawing attention to a celebration that has steadily grown in scale since its launch in 2017.

According to event reports, more than 3 million diyas were lit across 56 ghats along the Saryu River. The celebrations were attended by Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

A Spectacular Evening Along the Saryu River

As evening approached, the riverfront began to glow with rows of traditional earthen lamps. Volunteers worked alongside organisers to arrange and light the diyas, transforming the ghats into an impressive display of light.

For many visitors, the appeal was not just the scale of the event but the atmosphere surrounding it. Families gathered along the river, people offered prayers and visitors stopped to photograph the illuminated ghats.

The reflections of thousands of lamps on the water added to the beauty of the evening, creating scenes that quickly became a major attraction.

Drone Show Adds a Modern Touch to an Ancient Story

One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations was a drone show featuring more than 2,100 drones.

The illuminated drones formed images inspired by the Ramayana, bringing scenes from the ancient Indian epic into the night sky. The combination of traditional storytelling and modern technology gave the celebrations a different dimension.

Laser displays, cultural performances and traditional music also formed part of the programme.

How Deepotsav Became a Major Event in Ayodhya

Deepotsav was first organised in Ayodhya in 2017. What started as a large-scale Diwali celebration has gradually developed into one of the city’s most recognised annual cultural events.

Over the years, the number of lamps, visitors and cultural activities has grown considerably. The festival has also helped bring greater attention to Ayodhya as a religious tourism destination.

For local businesses, the celebrations provide an important opportunity. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, shopkeepers and traditional artisans all stand to benefit from the increased activity around the festival.

Why the Celebration Matters to Indians Living Abroad

For Indians living thousands of miles away from home, festivals such as Diwali carry a meaning that goes beyond the celebrations themselves.

In cities such as London, New York, Toronto, Melbourne and Dubai, Indian communities continue to celebrate Diwali with family gatherings, temple visits and cultural programmes.

For many NRIs, seeing Ayodhya illuminated with millions of diyas brings back memories of home, family and familiar traditions. It also gives younger generations growing up overseas an opportunity to understand the cultural roots of their families.

These celebrations serve as a reminder that Indian traditions continue to connect communities, even when they are separated by thousands of miles.

Ayodhya’s Growing Appeal Beyond India’s Borders

Ayodhya has always held a special place in the religious and cultural history of India. In recent years, the city has also attracted increasing attention from tourists and visitors interested in Indian heritage.

Deepotsav reflects how traditional celebrations can bring together religion, tourism, local communities and modern technology.

For international visitors, the event offers a glimpse into a side of India where ancient customs continue to play an important role in modern life.

More Than Just a Festival of Lights

As the celebrations brought the city together, Deepotsav offered another reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions.

From the hands of local potters who make the earthen lamps to the volunteers who arrange them along the riverfront, the event involves the efforts of thousands of people.

For Ayodhya, Deepotsav is not simply about setting a record or lighting millions of lamps. It is also about faith, community participation and keeping traditions alive for future generations.

For Indians across the world, the glowing ghats of Ayodhya are a powerful reminder that home is sometimes more than a place. It is a connection to culture, memories and traditions that travel across generations.

Reported for Online Indian News | India & Global Indian Community