The auspicious city will be illuminated between October 28 and October 31 with the grand celebration of Diwali, Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025 to commemorate the arrival of Lord Rama after 14 year of exile. The festival will be hosted on Saryu River with an aim of breaking a new Guinness world record by illuminating more than 25 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) in 55 ghats and most notably, Ram Ki Paidi. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has organized this event and it consists of a mega drone show with 500 drones showing scenes of Ramayana, a grand aarti with 1,100 pandits and Ramlila performed by artists of six countries- Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Nepal.

The festivities are boosted with cultural programs featuring 16 Indian states, laser show and eco-friendly firecrackers. Led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, colonisation of Lord Rama convertibly will take place on October 30. Through the Uttar Pradesh tourism web site, free entry passes (10,000 in number, 5,000 of which are student passes), may be obtained. Ayodhya has an excellent infrastructure such as the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport (16 km), Ayodhya Dham Junction (3 km) which makes it accessible to millions of thousands of devotees.
Also, 1,121 Vedacharyas conducted a mega aarti and became eligible to get another Guinness record. It had 18 colorful tableaux showing scenes of Ramayana, cultural performance by artists in six countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Nepal) and was graced by 500 drones used to present scenes of Ramayana in a drone show. Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister inaugurated the occasion and there were 88 diplomats representing 54 countries. There were free entry passes of 10,000 of which 5,000 were given to students. With firecrackers and live videos through Doordarshan, the festival was enriched with spiritual/cultural heritage of Ayodhya which attracted millions of pilgrims/tourists.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Darshan Tickets Easy Booking 2024 :Price
Overview of the Ayodhya Deepotsav
This festival craves millions of lamps made of Clay to be lit across the city making it the amazing show. It will also include diverse cultural entertainment, parade and religious ceremonies depicting the Indian cultural value
For reaching Ayodhya one can travel by air, rail or road. The nearest airport is at Lucknow, approximately 130 kilometers from Ayodhya and the town has its own railway station with adequate network Railway connectivity is good at Ayodhya6. Local public service providers include state and private buses, taxis can also be found from nearby cities.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ayodhya Deepotsav 2024 |
| Date | October 30, 2024 |
| Start Time | 3:00 PM IST |
| Location | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Purpose | Celebration of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile |
| Registration | Online registration required for free e-pass |
Ayodhya Ram Mandir 2024: Darshans, Timings & Sevas
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025 Dates And Venue
Ayodhya Deepotsav is one of the biggest festivals in the city of Ayodhya in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. It will be held on the 30th of October, 2024. The festival starts at 3:00 PM IST. It is festive observed to mark the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Important Details:
Main Venues: Saryu Ghat, Ram Ki Paidi and important place of Ayodhya
Organized by: Uttar Pradesh Tourism
Mega Drone Show: A 15-minute show of 500 drones forming the likeness of Lord Ram, Hanuman, Lakshman and formation depicting the scenes from Ramayana
Record-breaking diyas: More than 2,50,000 Garba and Ram Leela program will be broadcasted at Ayodhya
Cultural and devotional meaning: The victory of Lord Ram and installing the deity’s statue in the Ram Mandir after 500 years
In order to become a part of the event, one has to complete the Free e-Pass and register on the company’s website. The registration starts on 1st September 2024. You can however obtain the e-pass through the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department which is available through their website.
Ayodhya Deepotsav involves illumination of millions of lamps, cultural programmes; processions and performances related with religious and spiritual activities. They said it is a great pleasure to witness the rich culture and traditions of the country, India.
To reach Ayodhya there are two options which are by air through Lucknow Airport which is 130 kilometers away or by Rail through Ayodhya railway station. There are also of course buses and taxis from the other cities near the area.
Procedure To Register onto thw portal
To register for Ayodhya Deepotsav follow these steps:
- Go to the official website, like https://uptourism.gov.in/en
- The home page of the website will open.
- Click on the Login button.
- Find the Ayodhya Deepotsav Registration Link below the login page and click it.
- You will be taken to a new page.
- Fill in basic information like your name, email ID, phone number, gender, etc.
- Create a username and password and click the Submit button.
- Your registration is now complete.
- You can now download your Free E-Pass for Ayodhya Deepotsav .
the steps to download the E-Pass for the Ayodhya Deepotsav Festival:
- Visit the official website of the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Organization.
- Click on the Login button.
- A new page will open; enter your username and password.
- Click on the Login button again.
- Once logged in, go to the E-Pass section.
- Look for the Ayodhya Deepotsav E-Pass Token.
- Click on Generate E-Pass.
- Click the download button to save the E-pass.
- Print out the E-pass and show it at the entry gate during the festival.
These steps will help you get your E-pass easily for entry to the event. This is especially important after the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, as the event will be even more special and attract many visitors.
Activities During the Festival:
- Prayers
- Lamp-lighting ceremonies
- Cultural processions
- Other religious ceremonies
Travel Information:
- By Air: The nearest airport is connected to major cities.
- By Rail: Ayodhya Railway Station (about 130 km from Lucknow).
- By Road: State and private buses, autos, and taxis are available.
Important to Carry:
- Your photo identification card and entry pass, which is issued during online registration.
OFFICIAL LINKS:- CLICK HERE
What is Ayodhya Deepotsav
Ayodhya Deepotsav is a festival of lights celebrated annually in Ayodhya, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama.
It commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile a story from the epic Ramayana. To welcome him, the tradition says the whole city lit oil-lamps (diyas). Deepotsav recreates this lighting thousands upon thousands of lamps across the ghats, streets and temples of Ayodhya.
Over the years, Deepotsav has grown from a local celebration into a huge spectacle combining devotion, heritage, culture, and vibrant light displays.
A. Ayodhya is a sacred city. B. Deepotsav recalls Lord Rama’s homecoming. C. Lamps (diyas) are lit to symbolize light over darkness. D. It blends ancient tradition with modern celebrations. E. The whole city participates devout people, volunteers, administration, visitors.
In short, Ayodhya Deepotsav is not just a festival it is a living tradition, a celebration of faith and culture, bringing myth and modernity together under flickering lamps.
When and Where It Happens
Deepotsav is timed around the festival of lights Diwali but in Ayodhya it has its own schedule. In 2025, the main Deepotsav celebration occurred on October 19-20, 2025.
The festival spans several days (for 2025, roughly October 18 to October 23) though the grand lamp-lighting, aarti and main events concentrate around October 19–20 (just before Diwali night).
The main venue is along the banks of Saryu River especially the ghats (river steps), notably Ram Ki Paidi — plus temples, city lanes, and heritage spots across Ayodhya.
A. Date aligns with Diwali / lunar calendar (Kartik Amavasya). B. Multi-day festival. C. Largest activity at Saryu River ghats. D. Special emphasis on Ram Ki Paidi for lamp lighting and aarti. E. City-wide involvement lamps, lights, decorations spread over multiple neighborhoods and temples.
Thus, Deepotsav turns Ayodhya into a glowing, living canvas for a few days each year, with every corner reflecting devotion and festivity.
What Happens Rituals, Lights, Culture & Events
During Deepotsav, Ayodhya transforms into a festival ground full of rituals, light, culture and performances.
On the main night, thousands (or more) of diyas (oil lamps/earthen lamps) are arranged along the river ghats, on streets, temple courtyards, homes creating a sea of lights. In 2025, roughly 2,617,215 diyas (i.e. ~26.17 lakh) were lit a record.
Other events include devotional aartis on the riverbanks, prayers, floating diyas on the water, hymns, cultural and musical performances, storytelling and enactments of scenes from Ramayana (like Ram Leela), modern light & drone shows, fireworks, and more.
Volunteers, priests, local residents, and visitors all join together. For example in 2025 around 33,000 volunteers worked across 56 ghats to place and light the diyas.
Scale & Numbers Lamps, Volunteers, Ghats
One of the most striking aspects of Deepotsav is the scale of the celebrations. In 2025, the numbers show how grand the festival has become.
- Around 26.17 lakh (2.6 million) diyas were lit in 2025 this set new world records for “most oil lamps lit simultaneously.”
- Lamps were placed across 56 ghats along the Saryu River including famous ghats like Ram Ki Paidi.
- Approximately 33,000 volunteers students, locals, devotees took part in organizing, placing, and lighting lamps, managing crowds, ensuring order, cleaning up, etc.
- In some reports, organizers aimed to light 28 lakh diyas for the 2025 event showing ambition for scale.
Significance: Faith, Mythology, and Spiritual Symbolism
Why do people come to Deepotsav? What’s the meaning behind thousands of lamps?
The roots lie in Hindu mythology: Ayodhya is regarded as the birthplace of Lord Rama, central figure of Ramayana. According to tradition, when Rama returned after 14 years of exile, the people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting lamps across the city to honour his homecoming. Deepotsav revives that spirit symbolizing light over darkness, homecoming, hope, and faith.
Lighting lamps has deep spiritual symbolism: each diya stands for knowledge, purity, divinity. The collective lighting of millions of diyas represents unity, community, shared faith and cultural heritage. The night of lamps on ghats, with river reflections evokes a sense of serenity, devotion, connection to divine.
Deepotsav also reinforces cultural identity, heritage, mythological connection for devotees and pilgrims, it is more than a festival; it is a pilgrimage of light and faith. It renews collective memory of Ram’s story, spiritual legacy of Ayodhya, and shared cultural roots.
Deepotsav 2025: New Records & What’s Unique This Year
The 2025 edition of Ayodhya Deepotsav was especially notable for setting new records and grand celebrations.
This year, the city lit 2,617,215 diyas (approx. 26.17 lakh), which earned official recognition from Guinness World Records for “most oil lamps lit simultaneously.”
The event involved 2,128 priests / aarti-performers participating in a synchronized river-front aarti (prayer ritual) on banks of Saryu another record achieved together with the lamps.
To manage this scale over 33,000 volunteers, 56 ghats decorated, elaborate arrangements of lamps, oil, wicks, lighting systems, security were deployed.
Modern features added a new dimension: along with traditional diyas and rituals, Deepotsav 2025 included light shows, drone displays, cultural and musical performances, reflecting blend of tradition + modern spectacle.
Planning & Participation: Visitors, Volunteers, Pilgrims
Deepotsav is not just for locals — it draws pilgrims, tourists and visitors from across India and beyond.
Because of the size and crowd, planning ahead is essential. In 2025, with over 26 lakh lamps, 56 ghats, tens of thousands of participants and visitors city management, local authorities, volunteers, temple committees all coordinate heavily.
Volunteers (estimated 33,000) students, locals, temple-staff help place lamps, manage crowd, maintain discipline, support rituals and clean up after.
For visitors: arriving early helps to secure decent view; ghats and riverbanks fill fast. Local stay hotels, guest-houses get fully booked early during Deepotsav. Lights, sound shows, aarti usually begin after sunset so being ready before evening is recommended.
Safety and management: With open flames, crowds, water bodies need security, safety arrangements, and visitor discipline. Authorities often set crowd-control, safety rules, fire-safety protocols, environmental safeguards.
Impact: Culture, Tourism and Heritage Revival
Deepotsav plays a key role in reviving culture, promoting heritage, and boosting tourism in Ayodhya and India.
Because Ayodhya is historically and religiously significant (birthplace of Lord Rama), Deepotsav magnifies that heritage reminding people of ancient traditions, myth, devotion.
Tourism boost: With millions of lamps, world-record events, spectacular visuals and spiritual significance many people travel to Ayodhya to witness Deepotsav. This increases hotel bookings, transport services, local business, cultural exposure.
Cultural revival: Deepotsav combines old traditions (lamp lighting, aarti, Ramayana stories) with modern elements (drone shows, light installations, organized events), making heritage alive & relevant for younger generations.
Community unity: People from different backgrounds locals, volunteers, pilgrims come together for one purpose: devotion, celebration, culture. It builds unity, shared cultural identity, communal harmony.
Spiritual & emotional impact: For many, seeing thousands of diyas lighting up the ghats, hearing hymns, being part of ritualsis a deeply moving spiritual experience. Keeps faith, tradition alive.
Challenges & Responsibilities
Such a massive festival while beautiful also comes with challenges. Every participant, organiser, visitor has responsibilities to ensure Deepotsav remains safe, respectful, and sustainable.
First, safety: With lakhs of diyas and open flames near water and crowded ghats — fire risk, slips, water-safety, crowd-control are serious concerns. Volunteers and authorities must manage these carefully.
Second, environment and waste: Burning oil lamps and large crowds generate waste — oil spillage, used clay lamps, ash, footfall, rubbish. Proper cleanup and waste management is essential to avoid damage to ghats, river and environment.
Third, crowd management and public order: Thousands of visitors, tourists, devotees — need traffic control, entry-exit management, medical support, security checks.
Fourth, inclusivity and respect: Visitors should respect local customs, traditions, religious sentiment; avoid reckless behavior, follow norms.
Fifth, organisation and coordination: Coordinating tens of thousands of volunteers, distributing lamps, arranging oil, lighting, supervision — needs meticulous planning.
10. How to Experience Ayodhya Deepotsav — Guide for Visitors
If you plan to visit Deepotsav (especially 2025 edition or future ones), here’s a practical guide to enjoy the festival safely and fully.
A. Plan early book stay / hotel in advance. During festival, accommodation gets fully booked fast.
B. Reach ghats before evening (by 4–5 PM) to secure good spot for lamp-lighting and aarti.
C. Dress modestly & comfortably wear light clothes & good footwear (ghats/steps, crowds, walking).
D. Respect local customs during aarti / prayers keep decorum, avoid loud noise or disrespect. E. Carry essentials water, medicines, flashlight (for later night), follow safety instructions.
F. Follow crowd & safety guidance use marked pathways, avoid risky spots near water or fire clusters.
G. Participate respectfully enjoy but don’t disturb rituals or environment.
H. Use public transport / shared rides avoid traffic jams, parking issues around ghats.
I. Support local buy from local shops/vendors, encourage cultural & religious economy.
J. Capture memories, but also preserve environment — avoid littering, avoid polluting river or ghats.