Ayodhya's 10th Deepotsav Showcases India's Cultural Heritage To The World

Ayodhya's 10th Deepotsav has emerged as a major platform for showcasing India's cultural heritage to international audiences, bringing together traditional Ramayana performances, regional folk arts and spiritual celebrations. The Uttar Pradesh government said the festival, developed under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, has strengthened the city's cultural identity over the past decade.

The celebrations featured the illumination of Ram Ki Paidi, Saryu Aarti, episodes from the Ram Katha and cultural performances. Adityanath welcomed the embodiment of Lord Ram and pulled the Ram Rath. A symbolic coronation ceremony was also organised at Ram Katha Park in the presence of Vice President C P Radhakrishnan.

International participation was a major highlight, with artists from Sri Lanka, Laos and South Africa presenting their respective Ramleela traditions. Their performances demonstrated how the Ramayana has developed distinct cultural expressions across countries while retaining its central message.

Folk art performances from Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Bengal further showcased India's cultural diversity.

A particularly significant feature was the participation of the 151-year-old Sahabganj Ramleela for the first time. Described as Ayodhya's oldest Ramleela by Ashutosh Dwivedi, advisor to the Ayodhya International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute, the traditional performance received recognition alongside international productions.

The festival also attracted foreign visitors, including Paul and Shelby from Chicago, who participated in Saryu Aarti and lit diyas with locals. Visitors from Argentina and St Petersburg in Russia also attended the celebrations, experiencing Ayodhya's spiritual and cultural traditions.

Adityanath additionally honoured saints by presenting them with sweets and gifts. The government said the festival was creating opportunities for local artists, handicraft artisans and tourism-related services while encouraging younger generations to preserve traditional art forms.

Deepotsav's growing international presence reflects an effort to connect heritage preservation, cultural exchange and local economic opportunities, positioning Ayodhya as an important centre of India's cultural identity.