Ayodhya Festival Calendar

Ram Navami (Mar–Apr)

The birth anniversary of Lord Rama — the biggest annual crowd. Surya Tilak on Ram Lalla at noon, special abhishek, day-long bhajan, and lakhs of pilgrims. Book hotels and Sugam Darshan months ahead.

• Expect 6–10 hour general queues without a slot.
• Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi also packed.

Deepotsav (Oct–Nov, eve of Diwali)

Ayodhya's signature festival — lakhs of diyas along Ram Ki Paidi and Saryu ghats, Ramayana tableaux, laser shows, and evening aarti. Listed in Guinness World Records for lamp counts.

• Reach Naya Ghat / Ram Ki Paidi by 4 PM for ghat seating.
• Best photos from opposite bank of Saryu.
• Combine with Diwali next day for a 2-night stay.

Diwali (day after Deepotsav)

Celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya. Entire city illuminated; Ram Mandir holds special aarti and floral decoration. Saryu snan at sunrise is auspicious.

Sawan Jhula Mela (Jul–Aug)

Monsoon festival — Ram-Sita idols placed on flower-decorated swings, especially at Kanak Bhawan. Green sarees, bhajans, and gentle rains create a unique atmosphere.

Other important festivals

• Hanuman Jayanti (Mar–Apr) — sindoor abhishek at Hanuman Garhi from dawn.
• Sita Navami (Apr–May) — shringar at Kanak Bhawan.
• Mahashivratri (Feb–Mar) — night-long rudra-abhishek at Nageshwarnath Temple.
• Kartik Purnima Snan (Nov) — holy dip in Saryu at dawn.
• Parikrama Mela (Oct–Nov) — Panchkosi (~15 km) and Chaurasi Kosi parikramas.
• Pran Pratishtha anniversary (22 January) — temple illumination and cultural programs.

Planning around festivals

• Book trains and hotels 2–3 months ahead for Deepotsav and Ram Navami.
• Weekday visits outside peak utsav still feel festive but manageable.
• Check official trust announcements before travel — timings can shift.
• See our full calendar page for month-by-month breakdown.