Ayodhya decked up ahead of Deepotsav-2026 with 30 lakh diyas to be lit

Ayodhya is preparing to light 30 lakh lamps for Deepotsav-2026, with only a few hours left before the celebrations begin, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

Lighting, decorations and cultural programmes at ghats, major roads and religious sites have given the city a festive appearance. The Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement that Deepotsav's global recognition under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was taking the state's cultural heritage to new heights.

Jagatguru Swami Satishacharya Ji Maharaj has arrived in Ayodhya to witness the celebrations and review the preparations.

Speaking about the religious, spiritual and cultural significance of the festival, Satishacharya said, "Just as Ayodhya was illuminated with lamps upon the arrival of Prabhu Shri Ram during Treta Yuga, today, through the efforts of Yogi Adityanath ji, the same city of Lord Ram is once again conveying the message of light to the entire world," according to PTI.

"Deepawali holds special significance in Ayodhya, the city of Lord Shri Ram, king of the Suryavansh. On this sacred occasion, the tradition of lighting lamps according to the names and number of deities reflects faith and spiritual consciousness. The magnificent appearance of Ayodhya is not merely a sight that attracts the eyes, but a living expression of Indian culture and Sanatan traditions," he said.

Satishacharya said Deepotsav would achieve its real success when every Indian embraced the ideals of Lord Ram.

Shashikant Das Ji Maharaj also praised the scale of Deepotsav and Ayodhya's transformed appearance. Referring to Goswami Tulsidas's chaupai, "Avadhpuri Prabhu Aavat Jaani, Bhai Sakal Sobha Kai Khani", he said the news of Lord Ram's arrival had filled Ayodhya with joy and happiness.

"Today, through the efforts of CM Yogi, the same joy, enthusiasm and excitement can be experienced in Ayodhya. The present-day appearance of the city of Lord Ram offers people a glimpse of Treta Yuga," he said.

Referring to another chaupai, Shashikant Das said the idea of Ram Rajya was based on love, harmony, equality and social cohesion. He added that Lord Ram's ideals continued to have the power to guide society.

Sant Akash Das Ji Maharaj said that before 2017, young people faced uncertainty over religion, Sanatan traditions and culture, with many gradually moving away from their cultural roots and traditional values.

"At this time, CM Yogi Adityanath served as a guiding force and made meaningful efforts to reconnect youth with their traditions and cultural heritage," he said, according to PTI.

He said the large turnout and enthusiasm among young people at events such as Deepawali and Dev Deepawali reflected this change. Young people had developed stronger faith in preserving their culture and Sanatan traditions, he added.

With preparations across ghats, roads and religious sites nearing completion, Ayodhya is set to mark Deepotsav-2026 by illuminating 30 lakh lamps alongside decorations and cultural programmes.- Ends