Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026: The City of Divine Lights
🪔 Join the Digital Deepotsav! Cannot be in Ayodhya physically? Light a sacred Virtual Diya for Lord Rama with temple bell acoustics, or check the auspicious Ayodhya Panchang & Muhurat for Deepotsav tithi timings.
Deepotsav in Ayodhya is India's grandest festival of lights, recreating the historic homecoming of Bhagwan Shri Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman ji to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In 2026, Ayodhya will set a breathtaking new Guinness World Record by lighting over 28 lakh earthen diyas across 51 sacred ghats along the Saryu River.
🎫 Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 Pass & Entry Guide
Thousands of pilgrims ask whether a special pass is needed to witness the grand celebrations. Here is the official breakdown:
1. General Public Entry (Free — No Pass Required)
- Where: Ram Ki Paidi public promenade, Saryu Riverfront, Naya Ghat, Guptar Ghat, and the Old Saryu Bridge walkway.
- Entry Fee: ₹0 (Completely Free).
- Security Check: Pilgrims undergo thermal scanning and metal-detector frisking by Uttar Pradesh Police.
- Crucial Timing Tip: Public viewing areas begin filling by 03:30 PM. To secure front-row seating on the ghat steps, reach Ram Ki Paidi before 04:30 PM, as entry gates may be barricaded once capacity is reached.
2. Volunteer Diya Card (Deepotsav Card Online Apply & Download)
- Who: Over 30,000 university students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, and temple seva trusts who lay and light the 28 lakh diyas.
- Portal: Registration is conducted via Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University (RMLAU) at
rmlau.ac.in. - Card Download: Verified volunteers receive an SMS and university login link to download their Deepotsav Volunteer Duty Card with a unique QR code.
- Access: Grants exclusive entry into the ghat grid sectors (Ghat 1 to 51) where diyas are set in geometric patterns.
3. VIP Stage Enclosure E-Pass
- Who: Designated state guests, diplomatic delegations, accredited national media, and sadhu-sants.
- Issuing Authority: Ayodhya District Administration (DM Office / Information Department).
- Validity: Grants assigned seating in the barricaded enclosure directly opposite the Pushpak Viman landing and main cultural stage at Ram Katha Park.
📅 Deepotsav 2026 Event Timeline & Schedule
| Day & Date | Key Celebration & Ceremony | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Friday, Nov 6, 2026 | Grand Ramayana Tableau Procession (Shobha Yatra) from Saket College to Ram Katha Park | 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM |
| Day 2: Saturday, Nov 7, 2026 (Main Deepotsav) | Symbolic Pushpak Viman Landing & Coronation of Lord Ram by Dignitaries | 03:30 PM – 05:30 PM |
| Day 2 (Evening Peak) | World Record Lighting of 28+ Lakh Diyas along Ram Ki Paidi | 06:00 PM – 07:15 PM |
| Day 2 (Night Spectacle) | Grand Saryu Maha Aarti, 3D Hologram Projection & Mega Drone Show (500+ Drones) | 07:30 PM – 09:30 PM |
| Day 3: Sunday, Nov 8, 2026 (Diwali) | Sanctum Diya Lighting at Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir & City-wide Fireworks | All Day / Night |
📍 Top 4 Viewing Points for Pilgrims
- Ram Ki Paidi Main Steps ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: The heart of the world record. View thousands of synchronized volunteers lighting geometric diya patterns.
- Old Saryu Rail & Pedestrian Bridge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Offers an unobstructed panoramic aerial view of the illuminated riverbanks and laser projections.
- Ram Katha Park Amphitheater ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Main cultural stage for international Ramlila troupes (Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka) and classical dance ballets.
- Naya Ghat Promenade ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Prime spot for witnessing the grand 1,100-priest simultaneous Saryu Maha Aarti.
🚗 Traffic Diversions, Parking & Travel Advisory
- Vehicle Bans: Private cars and buses are strictly restricted from entering Ram Path and Naya Ghat from 12:00 PM on Nov 6 to midnight on Nov 7.
- Designated Satellite Parking: Park at Saket College Ground, Tedhi Bazaar Multi-Level Parking, or Faizabad Bypass Ground, and take electric shuttle buses into the city.
- Accommodation: 100% of hotels, dharamshalas, and homestays are booked 2–3 months in advance. Secure your stay immediately.
Explore related guides: Ram Ki Paidi History & Guide, Ayodhya Darshan Timings, and Hotels in Ayodhya.