Lucknow, Nov 06 (HS): The Chief Guest for the Ayodhya

Deepotsav 2026 will be Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan. In the august

presence of the Vice President and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the splendor

of Ayodhya will this time extend the message of Indian culture, eternal

tradition, and spiritual splendor to the global stage beyond the country's

borders.

In the tenth edition of Deepotsav, preparations are underway

to make Ramnagari unforgettable by illuminating it with more than 3 million

lamps. To commemorate Lord Shri Ram's arrival in Ayodhya, lamps will be lit

simultaneously at 56 ghats, including Ram Ki Paidi. Meanwhile, a grand aarti

performed on the banks of the Saryu River, accompanied by the chanting of 2,151

Vedic scholars and priests will enhance the festival's divinity.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh

said in a statement, When Deepotsav was started in 2017, inspired by

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approximately 1.71 lakh lamps were lit in

Ayodhya. From the first event to the tenth edition, the number of lamps

increased manifold. This year, more than 30 lakh lamps will be lit on 56 ghats

of Ramnagari. He said that the increasing number of lamps is not only a proof

of the expansion of the event, it is also a symbol of the people's unwavering

faith and reverence for Lord Shri Ram.

Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that

Deepotsav 2026 will set a new high for the festival of lights in terms of

grandeur and public participation. Extensive arrangements have been made at all

56 ghats to ensure the successful completion of the event. Under this, 900 ghat

coordinators, 112 ghat in-charges, and 27 supervisors have been deployed, along

with 35,000 volunteers, who are handling the arrangements with full

responsibility. Furthermore, events like cultural programs, theme-based

decorations, the International Ramlila, the Deepotsav Fair, and exhibitions

will enhance the festival's splendor. These will provide tourists from India

and abroad with an opportunity to experience Ayodhya's rich cultural heritage

and spiritual traditions.

2,100 drones will bring scenes from the Ramayana to life in

the sky: On the eve of Diwali, during Deepotsav, a grand aerial drone show will

be organised in the skies of Ayodhya by the Tourism Department. During this,

2,100 colourful drones will simultaneously enact the major events of Ramayana

by spreading the glow of light in the sky. A unique confluence of faith,

spirituality and modern technology will be seen through the use of drones in

almost double the number of drones as compared to last year. Among the various

figures made by drones, scenes like Lord Shri Ram, Laxman and Hanuman in heroic

posture, killing of Ravana, Pushpak Viman and Ram Darbar will be the centre of

attraction. Apart from this, various forms of Maharishi Valmiki, Goswami

Tulsidas and Hanuman will also come alive in the sky.

Performances by 1,000 artistes from different states: Approximately

1,000 artists from various states will showcase their art through folk dance,

music, and cultural performances at various locations in Ayodhya. The grand

procession will also feature attractive tableaux based on the seven chapters of

the Ramayana, vividly depicting the life of Lord Shri Ram and various episodes

from the Ramayana.

Innovation will entice Zen-G: The fusion of tradition and

modernity at Deepotsav 2026 will particularly appeal to the youth, or Gen-G.

The glow of traditional lamps on the banks of the Saryu River will be

accompanied by a unique blend of modern technology and entertainment. The Uttar

Pradesh Tourism Department will organize a multimedia projection and laser show

at Ram Ki Paidi. Live performances by over 100 artists will add to the

festivities.

International Ramlila will be staged in Ayodhya's Ramkatha

Park. Artists from different parts of the country as well as foreign artists

will bring the Ramayana alive by staging Ramlila. Artist groups from Assam,

Kerala and Bengal will give performances in their own cultural style. At the

same time, artists from Sri Lanka, South Africa, Thailand and Bali, Indonesia

will stage episodes from the life of Lord Shri Ram. By combining the art and

traditions of different countries, the Ramlila stage will give the message of

international cultural unity.

Deepotsav Fair and Exhibition: A five-day (November 5-9)

Deepotsav Fair and Exhibition is being held at the Queen Ho Memorial Park in

Ayodhya. Visitors are being treated to a variety of products, art, and culture,

along with the colors of the festival.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi