November 8, 2026

The sacred city of Ayodhya glowed like never before as the 10th edition of Deepotsav lit up the banks of the Saryu River with a breathtaking sea of light.

On the eve of Diwali, more than 30 lakh earthen lamps (some reports place the final count even higher) were illuminated across 56 ghats, with the spectacular centrepiece at Ram Ki Paidi. The sight of lakhs of diyas reflecting on the holy waters created a divine spectacle that captured hearts across India and the global Hindu diaspora.

Here is the original post capturing the mesmerizing view:

> MESMERIZING view 😍

> Ayodhya shines bright as lakhs of diyas illuminate Ram Ki Paidi for the 10th Deepotsav. 🪔

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> A record over 30 lakh earthen lamps will line 56 ghats along the Saryu River. 🔥

> View original post and video

A Decade of Divine Growth

Deepotsav began in 2017 with around 1.71 lakh diyas. It has grown year after year into one of the world’s largest lamp-lighting festivals:

  • 2024 (first after Ram Mandir consecration): over 25 lakh diyas
  • 2025: 26.17 lakh diyas (Guinness World Record)
  • 2026: Target of over 30 lakh diyas across 56 ghats successfully achieved

Tens of thousands of volunteers, mostly students from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University and local colleges, worked tirelessly to arrange the lamps in perfect grids along the riverfront.

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Grand Celebrations at Ram Ki Paidi

The main event was graced by Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Vice President, the Governor and the Chief Minister lit lamps at Ram Ki Paidi, after which the entire stretch of ghats transformed into a river of light within minutes.

Key highlights of the 10th Deepotsav included:

  • Lighting of over 30 lakh diyas along 56 ghats of the Saryu
  • A 2,100-drone show depicting scenes from the Ramayana in the night sky
  • Laser shows at Ram Ki Paidi
  • Cultural performances by artists from multiple states and countries
  • Symbolic arrival of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman in a Pushpak Viman-themed helicopter
  • Massive Saryu Maha Aarti with thousands of participants
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One lakh additional diyas also illuminated the premises of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, completing the spiritual ambiance of the entire city.

Why Deepotsav Matters

Deepotsav is more than a visual spectacle. It recreates the joyous return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile — the original reason Diwali is celebrated. In the city of Ram, the festival now stands as a powerful expression of faith, cultural pride, and collective devotion.

For Hindus worldwide, images of Ram Ki Paidi glowing under thousands of diyas serve as a reminder of the living tradition of Sanatan Dharma and the continuing glory of Ayodhya.

Jai Shri Ram!

Sources

  • Megh Updates, original post and video on X
  • Daily Jagran (with ANI), 7 November 2026
  • News24, 7 November 2026, citing an official statement

Related: Ayodhya Deepotsav and Diwali 2026 in Uttar Pradesh, History of Ayodhya Deepotsav and How Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya inspires Diwali.