Lucknow, Sep 23 The Uttar Pradesh government will seek suggestions from the public through MyGov UP to make ‘Deepotsav 2026’ in Ayodhya more innovative and expansive, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said on Wednesday.
Singh gave the direction during a review meeting with Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat, to discuss preparations for the November 7 celebrations.
According to a state government statement, Singh said young people should be actively involved in shaping the festival and encouraged to become “torchbearers” of the state’s cultural traditions.
The government is targeting around 30 lakh diyas for this year’s Deepotsav, with Ram-themed decorations and programmes planned across Ayodhya’s streets and riverfront.
The Tourism Department is also preparing a 2,100-drone show, which is planned to be held again during Jamghat, two days after Deepotsav, giving residents and tourists another opportunity to watch it, the statement said.
Live performances combined with 3D projection, laser shows and musical green fireworks are also being planned, it said.
As part of efforts to increase international participation, the state plans to invite tourism and culture ministers or designated representatives of partner countries. The statement said members of the Indian diaspora in more than 30 countries would also be invited through Indian embassies and ambassadors.
Singh directed officials to install prominent directional signs across the city to facilitate movement of visitors. He also instructed that bhajans be played from 4 am on Deepotsav day to create an atmosphere of devotion from early morning, according to the statement.
Abhijat directed officials to create selfie points without obstructing pedestrian movement and suggested roadside installations depicting different sections, or kands, of the Ramayan. The installations should carry simple one-line explanations so that children can understand the stories, the statement said.
Ten Ramayan-themed gateways have been proposed along Dharam Path, besides three gateways on major approach roads to Ayodhya, including the Sultanpur and Rae Bareli routes. A static installation depicting the Pushpak Viman in the Saryu was also discussed.
The proposed programme includes a collective Saryu aarti by more than 2,100 batuks, or young Vedic students. More than 240 temples and maths are expected to participate in lamp lighting, while industry and trade organisations would support celebrations at 25 major junctions, extending the festivities into neighbourhoods and public spaces.
The Culture Department is preparing Ramlila performances by Indian and overseas troupes, traditional folk dances and a tableaux procession from Saket College to Ram Katha Park. Bharat Milap and a symbolic coronation of Lord Ram are also proposed. The Vanar Sena contingent, which comprised 100 children last year, is proposed to be expanded, the statement said.
At the museum complex, proposed attractions include a digital Ramayan, sculptures depicting the Ram Van Gaman route, a Ram-themed bazaar and exhibitions of books and paintings. A presentation titled “Shri Ram Ki Vaishvik Yatra” is also planned.
The review also covered lamp-lighting arrangements, volunteer coordination and the proposed use of artificial intelligence for counting visitors.
Preparations involve the district administration, Shri Ayodhya Ji Teerth Vikas Parishad and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, the statement said.
Security, sanitation, electricity supply, road repairs and completion of ongoing works in the Ram ki Paidi area were also discussed.
The government also reviewed a proposed list of 284 development projects worth a combined Rs 5,452.79 crore for inauguration and foundation laying during Deepotsav. Of these, 152 projects worth Rs 4,130.25 crore have been listed for inauguration and 132 projects worth Rs 1,322.54 crore for foundation laying, according to the statement.
The meeting also discussed three major art workshops and camps proposed for 2026 to connect young people with Uttar Pradesh’s art and cultural traditions.
A national workshop and lecture series titled “Ram, Ramayan and Ayodhya” will be organised at Ram ki Paidi/Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya from October 22 to 26 in collaboration with Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University. It will bring together 25 artists and 10 experts, the statement said.
The State Lalit Kala Akademi, Lucknow, will organise “Lokdhara”, a traditional and folk painting camp, from November 18 to 22. Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, the Faculty of Arts and Crafts at Lucknow University, Amity University and Unity College are proposed as partner institutions, it said.
(PTI News)
