Ayodhya readies 30 lakh diyas and 2,100 drones for Deepotsav

Deepotsav: what happened?

From 1.71 lakh lamps in 2017 to a target of over 30 lakh this year, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav has become a tourism and livelihood event.

• The five-day Deepotsav began on 5 November; the main night is 7 November.
• More than 30 lakh earthen lamps are planned across 56 ghats at Ram Ki Paidi on the Saryu.
• About 2,100 indigenous drones will show Ramayan scenes — nearly double last year’s fleet.
• An order of ₹12.8 lakh for 1.60 lakh diyas went to women potters in Ayodhya and Barabanki; 197 potters got electric wheels by October 2026.
• Ramlila troupes from South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Laos and Thailand will perform.

What is Deepotsav?

Deepotsav is Ayodhya’s annual festival of lights linked to the return of Lord Ram, held on the Saryu riverfront at Ram Ki Paidi.

The first edition in 2017 used about 1.71 lakh diyas. The 2025 edition lit 26.17 lakh and set a Guinness mark.

Officials say a city that works for residents — clean spaces, safe movement, reliable services — also welcomes visitors better.

Deepotsav scale

Which laws and Articles apply?

• Article 21: livelihood and dignity as part of life.
• Tourism is largely a State subject; culture and pilgrim management sit with State departments.
• Uttar Pradesh Tourism / Culture departments run Deepotsav with district administration.
• GI and craft schemes support traditional potters and artisans.

Why does Ayodhya Deepotsav matter?

What are the problems with Ayodhya Deepotsav?

• Large crowds need strong crowd and river safety.
• Local residents can face traffic and price spikes.
• Festival gains must reach artisans beyond one order.
• Environmental load of fireworks and waste needs control.

What should be done next on Ayodhya Deepotsav?

• Keep potter orders year-round, not only for Deepotsav.
• Publish crowd and safety plans early.
• Track resident services during festival days.
• Measure tourism jobs, not only lamp counts.

What can Prelims ask on Ayodhya Deepotsav?

Prelims probability: Low for the national exam, High for the State exam: Deepotsav scale, Saryu riverfront culture and tourism-livelihood links suit Uttar Pradesh papers.

• 10th Deepotsav; main night 7 November.
• Target: over 30 lakh diyas on 56 ghats.
• About 2,100 drones.
• Saryu river at Ayodhya.
• Pottery livelihoods in Ayodhya and Barabanki.

How to write about Ayodhya Deepotsav in Mains

Practice question (15 marks, 250 words): Heritage festivals can support both culture and local livelihoods. Discuss with reference to Ayodhya’s Deepotsav.

• Intro: scale of 2026 event.
• Culture and tourism link.
• Potter livelihoods.
• Risks: crowds, waste, exclusion.
• Conclusion: festivals that work for residents last.