The Yogi Adityanath government is set to elevate the grandeur of Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya this year. Following the consecration of Ram temple in Ayodhya, the first Deepotsav will feature a variety of attractions, including seven mechanised tableaus and a choreographed aerial green firecracker show.

Ayodhya had set a world record during Deepotsav last year by lighting over 21 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) across 51 ghats, including Ram Ki Paidi. This year, the Yogi government aims to surpass that by illuminating Ayodhya with 25 lakh diyas.

In addition, 500 locations within Ayodhya will be adorned with eye-catching signages, while 20 artistic installations dedicated to Lord Ram will be prominently featured.

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism department has started the process of selecting agencies and assigning tasks, with preparations for various Deepotsav events expected to start in September.

The UP government is planning a grand ‘Deepotsav 2024’ from October 28 to October 31. The department of Tourism is preparing a detailed plan to enhance Ayodhya’s beauty by lighting diyas on the ghats of the Sarayu river, decorating the riverbank, and organising cultural performances and festivities. The event aims to recreate the scenes of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya.

In preparation for Deepotsav, the Tourism department will appoint an agency to design and oversee the setup for lighting over 25 lakh diyas at various locations, including Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya. The agency will also design the area for a record-breaking Aarti ceremony on the Sarayu river, which will involve 1,100 religious leaders, local celebrities, and residents of Ayodhya.

Additionally, the agency will coordinate training for volunteers two days prior to the event. The Guinness world record attempt will involve approximately 7,000 volunteers, including students from Avadh University, to ensure a smooth execution of the record-setting activities.

A grand procession will be the highlight of the Deepotsav, featuring seven large mechanised tableaus, including a Ram Rath. These tableaus will depict various incidents from the life of Lord Ram. Their design will be inspired by renowned festivals from around the world, including Oruro (Bolivia), Basel (Switzerland), Salvador (Brazil), Barranquilla (Colombia), Düsseldorf (Germany), and the Grenadines.

A choreographed ‘green’ aerial firecracker show will be a key feature of the Deepotsav, lasting over 10 minutes.

Additionally, more than 500 prominent locations in Ayodhya will be adorned with attractive sign boards. Twenty artistic installations will also be set up across the city, depicting various events from Lord Ram’s life, characters from the Ramayana, and themes related to Ayodhya and Deepotsav.