2,100 Drones, Thousands of Diyas! Ayodhya's Deepotsav 2026 Is Set to Be a Spectacle

Adding a technological spectacle to its grand Deepotsav celebrations, Ayodhya will host a Ramayana-themed aerial show featuring 2,100 indigenously developed drones on November 7, alongside a Saryu Aarti involving 2,147 participants and cultural performances from across India and abroad.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed preparations on Friday and directed officials to ensure that the entire city, including Ram Ki Paidi, is illuminated with earthen lamps on a scale similar to last year. He stressed the need to preserve the religious sanctity of the festival while ensuring smooth movement, cleanliness and safety for devotees and visitors.

The 10th edition of Deepotsav, which began in 2017 under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will unfold in three phases, combining religious ceremonies, cultural performances and large-scale visual displays.

The festivities will begin with a procession from Saket College featuring tableaux depicting episodes from the Ramayana. At Ramkatha Park, the programme will recreate the symbolic arrival of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, their reunion with Bharat, known as Bharat Milap, and Lord Ram's coronation.

The final phase will feature the Saryu Aarti, ceremonial lamp-lighting, performances by 200 artists at Ram Ki Paidi and the drone spectacle. Laser displays, eco-friendly fireworks near the Gonda bridge and international Ramlila performances will add to the celebrations.

Around 35,000 volunteers are expected to participate, while nearly 1,000 artists from 13 states will showcase folk arts and traditional dance forms. Cultural representatives from 12 countries are also expected to attend, with invitations being extended to foreign ambassadors based in India and Indian diplomats posted abroad.

The celebrations aim to reach more than five crore people through digital platforms. Adityanath has directed officials to coordinate with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, religious leaders, local traders and social organisations to ensure effective arrangements.