Ayodhya celebrated Deepotsav 2025 with immense fervour on Sunday, lighting up the city with millions of diyas along the banks of the River Saryu in Uttar Pradesh. This year’s festivities, organized by the state government’s tourism and culture department, marked the ninth edition of the event dedicated to Lord Ram. The celebrations featured Ramayana-themed tableaux, folk performances, and a spectacular laser show, creating a vibrant atmosphere that attracted thousands of devotees.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the event, which set two new Guinness World Records: one for the most people performing simultaneous diya rotations and another for the largest display of oil lamps, with 2,617,215 diyas lit. Across Uttar Pradesh, a total of 1.51 crore diyas illuminated homes and public spaces, enhancing the grandeur of the occasion.

The Saryu aarti saw participation from over 2,100 scholars, creating stunning visuals at Ram ki Paidi. A grand Ram Leela performance was held, accompanied by a dazzling laser and light show that captivated the audience. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple was also illuminated, adding to the festive spirit. A drone show featuring 1,100 drones performed synchronized stunts over the river, delighting the crowd.

During the inaugural ceremony, CM Yogi Adityanath performed the ‘Rajyabhishek’ of Ram and Sita, along with pujan and aarti. He addressed the gathering, stating, “Today, Uttar Pradesh does not have to face an identity crisis. We are now lighting lamps where bullets were once fired.” He praised the transformation of Ayodhya into a centre of development and heritage, calling Deepotsav a symbol of India’s spiritual and cultural leadership.

Earlier in the day, UP tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh launched a Ramayana-themed tableau procession from Saket College, which featured 22 tableaux depicting Lord Ram’s journey through the seven Kandas. The streets were filled with music, dance, and dramatic performances, while devotees showered flowers and lit diyas along the route. Folk arts from various states, including Haryana, Kerala, Rajasthan, Punjab, Odisha, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, added a diverse cultural touch to the celebrations.

The Deepotsav festivities not only highlighted Ayodhya’s rich cultural heritage but also aimed to create a strong identity for Uttar Pradesh, as emphasized by CM Yogi. The event concluded with a grand display of firecrackers, illuminating the night sky and complementing the sea of diyas below, making it a memorable celebration for all attendees.