Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 Dates: 7–8 Nov Diwali Schedule, 28 Lakh Diyas & Passes
The world-renowned Ayodhya Deepotsav (Diwali Festival of Lights) is the grandest celebration on Earth commemorating Bhagwan Shri Ram's victorious return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the defeat of Ravana.
In 2026, the Uttar Pradesh government and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra will attempt a new Guinness World Record by lighting over 2.8 million (28+ Lakh) indigenous earthen diyas across 55 ghats along the sacred Saryu River.
🗓️ Quick Schedule & Key Dates (Deepotsav 2026)
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│ 🌟 DEEPOTSAV MEGA EVENT: SATURDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 2026 (Chhoti Diwali) │
│ 🌟 28+ LAKH DIYAS: 06:30 PM at Ram Ki Paidi & 55 Saryu Ghats │
│ 🌟 3D DRONE & LASER SHOW: 07:30 PM & 08:45 PM (Ram Ki Paidi Screen) │
│ 🌟 MAIN DIWALI PUJA: SUNDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 2026 (Lakshmi Puja) │
│ 🌟 GOVARDHAN PUJA: MONDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 2026 (Annakut Mahotsav) │
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| Time Slot (7 Nov 2026) | Event / Ritual | Location | Access / Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM | Ramayana Shobha Yatra (18 Heritage Floats) | Saket College $\rightarrow$ Dharm Path $\rightarrow$ Ram Katha Park | Open street viewing along Dharm Path. |
| 03:30 PM – 05:30 PM | Lord Rama Symbolic Coronation (Rajyabhishek) | Ram Katha Park Main Stage | Live telecast on LED giant screens across city. |
| 05:45 PM – 06:20 PM | 1100-Priest Saryu Maha Aarti | Naya Ghat / Saryu Riverfront | Stand at middle tier of Naya Ghat steps. |
| 06:30 PM – 07:15 PM | Guinness Record 28+ Lakh Diya Lighting | Ram Ki Paidi & 55 Saryu Ghats | Mesmerizing illuminated river vistas. |
| 07:30 PM – 08:30 PM | 500-Drone Aerial Show & 3D Laser Projection | Saryu Skies & Heritage Spire Screen | Synchronized Ramayana narrative in the sky. |
🪔 How Deepotsav Diya Lighting is Organized
Over 35,000 university volunteers and local students arrange sesame-oil clay diyas in precise geometric rangoli mandalas spanning across 55 designated ghats.
- Guinness World Record Verification: Digital barcode scanning and aerial camera drones measure the continuous 5-minute burning threshold of all 28+ lakh lamps.
- Eco-Friendly Green Diyas: Special cow-dung based earthen lamps and non-toxic cold fireworks are utilized to minimize air pollution.
🎫 Passes, Security Gates & Public Viewing Sectors
- Public General Viewing Sectors: Unrestricted open public access is available along Naya Ghat, Guptar Ghat, Chaudhary Charan Singh Ghat, and Dharm Path.
- Restricted VIP Enclosure: The central amphitheatre between Ram Ki Paidi Bridge 1 and Bridge 4 requires official digital passes issued by the Ayodhya District Administration.
- Traffic Diversions: All private vehicles (cars, buses, taxis) are halted at outer ring road checkpoints (NH-27 bypass and Saket Petrol Pump) starting from 06:00 AM on 7 November 2026. Only pedestrians and official shuttle e-buses are permitted inside Ayodhya Dham.
🏨 Deepotsav Pilgrim Survival & Booking Checklist
- Book Stay by August: 100% of hotels, dharamshalas, and IRCTC retiring rooms in Ayodhya are booked solid during Diwali week. If Ayodhya stays are full, book in Lucknow (135 km) and take the morning express train.
- Early Morning Darshan on 7 Nov: Complete your Ram Mandir darshan before 08:30 AM on Deepotsav morning, because afternoon queues merge with festival crowds.
- No Baggage Rule: Leave backpacks, power banks, and electronics at your hotel. Security frisking lines on Ram Path are strictly zero-baggage.