Deepotsav is celebrated to amplify the spirit of Deepawali, the festival of lights, with transending enthusiasm in Ayodhya, a city engulfed with religious significance as the birthplace of Lord Rama, by the government of Uttar Pradesh. It holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees and visitors who flock to this historic city to witness the spectacular event. Over the years, Deepotsav has grown from a local celebration to an internationally recognized event, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and spiritual importance of Ayodhya. In 2023, the event reached new heights, setting a world record for the largest number of earthen lamps (diyas) lit simultaneously.
Deepotsav 2023 saw a breath-taking display of over 21 lakh diyas (2.1 million) being lit along the banks of the sacred Saryu River and throughout the city. This remarkable feat was not just a celebration but a symbolic representation of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, as described in the Ramayana. Each diya, a small clay lamp filled with oil and a cotton wick, represents the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
The event in 2023 was meticulously planned to break the previous record set in 2022, when around 18 lakh diyas were illuminated. To achieve this goal, thousands of volunteers, including students, local residents, and tourists, gathered to light the diyas across the city’s ghats (riverbanks) and key landmarks, creating a stunning sea of twinkling lights. The entire event was organized with precision, ensuring that the diyas remained lit for the required duration to secure a place in the record books.
Apart from being an iconic event marked with Guinness world record recognition; it is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Ayodhya. The event is a tribute to the homecoming of Lord Rama, who is believed to have returned to Ayodhya on the day of Diwali after vanquishing the demon king Ravana in the epic Ramayana. The residents of Ayodhya, overjoyed at their king’s return, are said to have lit rows of lamps to welcome him, thus giving birth to the tradition of lighting diyas during Diwali.
Deepotsav rekindles this ancient story, offering visitors a glimpse into the timeless devotion and reverence that Ayodhya holds for Lord Rama. The festival includes various cultural performances, traditional music, and dance forms that narrate episodes from the Ramayana, bringing the epic to life. Artists from across India come to participate, making it a vibrant showcase of India’s diverse cultural traditions.
The Deepotsav celebrations begin with aarti (a devotional ritual) on the banks of the Sarayu River, where priests perform a grand ritual to honour Lord Rama and seek blessings for prosperity and peace. The river, considered holy in Hindu tradition, becomes a site of divine energy, as thousands of devotees gather to participate in the prayers, offering flowers, and lighting lamps as a mark of devotion.
One of the main attractions of the festival is the Ram Katha (stories of Lord Rama’s life), performed by renowned artists. These enactments, held at various venues throughout Ayodhya, draw large crowds who come to immerse themselves in the narrative of Rama’s life, values, and teachings. The cultural programs are a blend of classical and folk performances, including Kathak, Ramleela, and traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam, showcasing India’s rich artistic heritage.
The event commemorates with the grand illumination of the entire city. The diyas, arranged in intricate patterns, light up temples, Ghats, and the Sarayu River, creating a mesmerizing view that attracts both domestic and international tourists. The sight of Ayodhya, bathed in the soft glow of millions of lamps, is a visual spectacle that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who witness it.
The Uttar Pradesh government has played a significant role in transforming Ayodhya into a hub of religious tourism, with Deepotsav being the centrepiece of these efforts. The city, which is undergoing a rapid infrastructural overhaul with new roads, accommodation facilities, and improved connectivity, sees a massive influx of tourists during the festival. In 2023, Ayodhya welcomed over 10 lakh visitors for the Deepotsav celebrations, including devotees, cultural enthusiasts, and foreign tourists eager to experience the grandeur of the festival.
Special arrangements are made to ensure the comfort and safety of visitors, including designated viewing areas along the Saryu River, cultural pavilions, and live streaming of events for those unable to attend in person. The hospitality sector in Ayodhya also plays a crucial role, offering traditional cuisine and a warm welcome to guests, embodying the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God).
The annual Deepotsav festival has significantly boosted the local economy, providing a source of income for artisans, vendors, and service providers in Ayodhya. The event has also put Ayodhya on the global tourism map, drawing interest from media and cultural organizations worldwide. The increased footfall during the festival has led to the development of infrastructure, including improved transportation, accommodation, and cultural centres, making Ayodhya more accessible to tourists throughout the year.
The local handicraft industry benefits greatly from this influx of visitors, as tourists often purchase traditional souvenirs, such as intricately designed diyas, wooden carvings, and Ramayana-themed art pieces. This helps preserve the traditional crafts of the region, while also providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their work to a global audience.
Beyond its economic and cultural impact, Deepotsav serves as a symbol of unity and harmony, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the spirit of Diwali. The event emphasizes the values of communal harmony and shared heritage, welcoming people of different faiths and backgrounds to participate in the celebrations. The lighting of diyas, with their glow spreading across the city, is a reminder of the universal themes of hope, joy, and renewal that Diwali represents.
In recent years, the government has also emphasized the importance of sustainability in the celebration of Deepotsav. Efforts have been made to use eco-friendly materials for the diyas, reduce the use of plastic, and manage the environmental impact of large gatherings. These initiatives aim to ensure that the festival continues to grow while maintaining a balance with nature.
Deepotsav in Ayodhya is more than just a celebration of lights; it is a profound expression of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The festival’s growing popularity and the record-setting lighting of diyas in 2023 highlight the enduring appeal of Ayodhya’s traditions and the timeless story of Lord Rama’s return. As the diyas flicker and glow along the Saryu River, they not only illuminate the city but also kindle a sense of pride, devotion, and unity among all who partake in this magnificent celebration. Deepotsav, with its blend of myth, ritual, and festivity, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ayodhya and its place in the hearts of millions.
This grand event has been celebrated annually since 2017. In the first Deepotsav, the government set a target of lighting 1.71 lakh (171,000) diyas. However, to everyone’s delight, a total of 1, 87,213 diyas lit up the banks of the Saryu River. Since then, each year has seen a new record being set. Last year, the target was to light 21 lakh diyas (2.1 million), but the numbers surpassed expectations as 22,23,000 diyas illuminated the city.
With Lord Rama’s idol now established at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Ayodhya has seen a significant surge in the number of tourists. From January to June this year, while the entire state of Uttar Pradesh witnessed around 33 crore (330 million) tourists, Ayodhya alone attracted approximately 11 crore (110 million) devotees.