Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deepotsav-2024 in Ramnagari is set to bring together a grand confluence of spirituality, tradition and culture, promising a unique celebration this year. This Deepotsav will be particularly historic, as it will be the first to take place after the consecration of Ram Lalla in his new temple.
Enhancing the festive glow, a new record is expected with the lighting of 25 lakh lamps across the city, creating a dazzling spectacle of devotion. On October 30, the Ramkatha Park will host a vibrant cultural display, featuring the Ramlila of Uttarakhand alongside performances from six countries, showcasing the universal appeal of Ramayana’s teachings.
Additionally, a mesmerising Hanuman Chalisa dance drama will be performed on the main stage, adding a spiritual depth to the festivities and captivating the audience with its devotional resonance.
On October 30, the main stage of Deepotsav at Ramkatha Park will showcase a vibrant line-up of cultural performances. Ramlila, the traditional play based on Lord Ram’s life, will be performed by artists from six countries –Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia, along with a group from Uttarakhand.
From October 28 to 30, Ramlila groups will lead a grand Shobha Yatra procession under the guidance of the Culture department. Among the 11 Ramlila groups participating are Shri Maruti Nandan Hanuman Adarsh Ramlila Mandal, Shri Balaji Cultural Development Service Institute, Jai Hanuman Manas Utthan Adarsh Ramlila Mandal, Shri Avadh Adarsh Ramlila Committee, and Shri Janak Dulari Institute.
Folk artiste groups will also bring unique performances such as Vijayveer Vikram Bahadur, Faruahi by Mata Prasad Verma, Pushpendra Kumar’s Bahurupiya from Ayodhya, Sumishtha Mitra’s Badhawa, Awadhi folk by Rama Prajapati’s team, Nishant Bhadauria Rai from Jhansi, Vantangiya dance by Sugam Singh Shekhawat from Gorakhpur, and Mayur dance by Madhav Acharya from Mathura.
To host this grand festival, the Yogi government has prepared 10 major stages across Ayodhya, including locations like Guptar Ghat, Badi Devkali, Rama Ghat, Bharatkund, Tulsi Udyan, Bhajan Sandhya Sthal, Naka Hanumangarhi Sahabganj, and Ram Katha Park. Each venue will come alive with performances from 5 pm to 9 pm. The famous Agnihotri brothers will also perform at Ram Ghat. Additionally, artistes from every district of Uttar Pradesh will showcase their talents, making this Deepotsav a truly statewide cultural celebration.
Digital transformation
The government is set to transform Ayodhya into a digital city for the eighth Deepotsav, offering an unforgettable blend of faith and illumination. This year, Ayodhya’s Dharmapath and Lata Chowk will captivate visitors with their dazzling displays, enhanced by digital pillars that add a modern glow to the city’s historic charm.
Twenty-four digital pillars, each 15 feet tall, are being installed along Dharmapath, the main entry route from the National Highway to Ayodhya. From October 28 to 30, these pillars will display scenes from the Ramayana up to Swagatham Dwar, enhanced with attractive lighting effects.
Key locations across Ayodhya, such as Ram Katha Park, Ram Ki Paidi, Hanuman Garhi, Birla Mandir, Bhajan Sandhya Sthal, Tulsi Udyan, and Saryu Bridge, will also be lit up for the celebration.
Ayodhya aims to set a new record by lighting over 28 lakh diyas to achieve a milestone of 25 lakh lit diyas. Nischal Barot, a consultant from the Guinness World Records team, has arrived to oversee the process. He explained that each diya will be counted three times – first when they are dry, again once lit, and finally through a drone video analysed with artificial intelligence (AI) software to confirm the total. This year, a team of 30 people from Guinness World Records will be on-site for the official count.
Eco-friendly lamps
Special eco-friendly lamps will illuminate the Shri Ram temple. These lamps are designed to prevent stains and soot from affecting the temple’s structure and will remain lit for extended periods.
A special floral decoration will adorn the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The temple complex has been divided into various sections for decoration, with each section assigned specific responsibilities.
The overall supervision of lighting, entrance arch decorations, and thorough cleaning have been entrusted to Ashu Shukla, a retired IG from the Bihar cadre. Devotees will experience a divine sight as the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights.
Environmental protection is also a key focus for this Deepotsav. Special wax lamps will be used to minimise carbon emissions and protect the temple from soot damage. The temple trust aims to make Ayodhya, not just a center of religion and faith this Diwali, but also a symbol of cleanliness and environmental consciousness.
To ensure the Deepotsav’s grandeur leaves a lasting impression, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has decided to keep the temple open for Bhawan Darshan from October 29 to November 1 until midnight.
Visitors can access the temple from Gate No 4B (luggage scanner point) to marvel at its grand decorations. This festival of lights will convey a message of faith, environmental stewardship, and beauty, making Ayodhya's Deepawali a truly global spectacle.
