Priya Sharma, a 36-year-old from Delhi, had attended Ayodhya Deepotsav in 2024 without registering. She reached Ayodhya by bus at 4:00 PM on the main event day, walked to the Saryu riverbank, and found herself at a ghat that was 800 metres from Ram Ki Paidi — the main event ghat where the diya lighting ceremony, the grand aarti, and the drone show all happen.
She could see the glow of the diyas in the distance. She could hear the chanting. She could not see the drone formations — the drones were visible clearly only from the main event area, not from the general public zone she had ended up in.
She said it was still beautiful. She also said it was not the same as being there.
In 2026, she is registering early and planning three months ahead.
Registration opens: 1 September 2026 at UP Tourism’s official portal.
💡 Quick Answer Date: 7 November 2026 (main diya lighting event; festivities 6–8 November) What: 28 lakh diyas lit across 56 ghats of the Saryu River — targeting a new Guinness World Record Entry: FREE — but official e-pass mandatory for main event zones Pass registration opens: 1 September 2026 via UP Tourism portal Best viewing spot: Ram Ki Paidi ghat — main event location Drone show: 500 drones depicting Ramayana scenes Accommodation: Book 3–4 months ahead — Ayodhya fills completely Last Verified: June 2026
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 — Key Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural shows & exhibitions begin | 6 November 2026 | Pre-event programs, Ramleela performances |
| Main Deepotsav — diya lighting | 7 November 2026 | Grand ceremony, 28 lakh diyas, drone show, Saryu Aarti |
| Post-event programs | 8 November 2026 | Extended celebrations |
| Pass registration opens | 1 September 2026 | UP Tourism portal — be ready |
Why November 7th? Deepotsav is tied to the Diwali festival — specifically to Kartik Amavasya (the new moon night of the Kartik month), which marks the night Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In 2026, this falls on 7 November. The Uttar Pradesh government organizes the event on or immediately around this date every year.
Important note on 2026 date: Multiple sources confirm 7 November 2026 as the main event day. Some older guides from 2024 show October dates — those were for 2024, not 2026. The 2026 Diwali date pushes the festival to November.
What Is Ayodhya Deepotsav — And Why It Keeps Growing
Deepotsav — the Festival of Lamps — is an annual celebration organized by the Government of Uttar Pradesh since 2017. It recreates the moment from the Ramayana when the people of Ayodhya lit diyas to welcome Lord Ram home after his 14-year exile — the original Diwali, in the city where it began.
Since 2017, every year has broken the previous year’s Guinness World Record for simultaneous oil lamp lighting:
- 2017: 1.71 lakh diyas
- 2019: 4.10 lakh diyas (first record)
- 2021: 9.41 lakh diyas
- 2022: 15.76 lakh diyas
- 2023: 22.23 lakh diyas
- 2024: 25 lakh diyas (approx.)
- 2026: Target 28 lakh diyas across 56 ghats — attempting to break their own record again
The 2026 edition adds:
- 500 drone show — formations depicting scenes from the Ramayana over the Saryu River
- Grand Aarti with 1,100 pandits simultaneously at the river
- International Ramleela performed by artists from six countries: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Nepal
- Cultural programs featuring 16 Indian states
- Laser show and eco-friendly firecrackers
- New attractions including a wax museum near Ram Mandir
The entire Saryu riverbank from Guptar Ghat to Ram Ki Paidi — covering 56 ghats — is illuminated simultaneously. The glow is visible from the Ram Mandir, from the hilltops above Ayodhya, and reportedly for miles across the flat Uttar Pradesh landscape in every direction.
The Free E-Pass — Mandatory, Not Optional
This is the most important practical detail: entry to the main Deepotsav event zones is free, but the e-pass is mandatory. Simply arriving in Ayodhya on 7 November without a pass means you can be in the city but not in the organized event areas near Ram Ki Paidi and the main ghats.
You don’t have to pay anything to attend the event — entry is free for everyone. But you must register online and get your official visitor pass to enter the main event zones.
Registration process (2026):
Step 1: Registration opens 1 September 2026 at the UP Tourism Department portal. The exact URL is announced by UP Tourism — monitor the official Uttar Pradesh Tourism website and the Ayodhya government’s website for the registration link.
Step 2: Register with your name, government ID (Aadhaar), mobile number, and number of persons in your group.
Step 3: Receive your digital e-pass on email and SMS.
Step 4: Print your e-pass or have it accessible on your phone for entry verification at the event zone checkpoints.
How many passes are issued? Based on previous years, approximately 10,000 organized visitor passes are released — with priority given to students, registered attendees, and general public on first-come basis. Given the scale of 28 lakh diyas and lakhs of visitors, there are also general public zones near the ghats where viewing is possible without a pass — but the best viewing areas (Ram Ki Paidi, main stage area) require the pass.
Register on 1 September morning. Do not wait — passes for the best zones fill within hours of registration opening.
The Best Viewing Spot — Ram Ki Paidi
Ram Ki Paidi is the ceremonial ghat on the Saryu River — the primary viewing location for the Deepotsav ceremony. This is where:
- The main diya lighting begins
- The 1,100-pandit grand Aarti is performed
- The 500-drone show is directly overhead
- Chief Minister and dignitaries are present for the official ceremony starting at approximately 3:00 PM
Being at Ram Ki Paidi for the 7 November ceremony is the complete Deepotsav experience. Being at a different ghat — even a beautiful one — is a partial experience of the event.
To secure a position at or near Ram Ki Paidi on the main event day:
- Have your e-pass for the main event zone
- Arrive at Ram Ki Paidi by 2:00 PM to secure a good viewing position before the 3:00 PM official start
- Expect large crowds — lakhs of devotees, students, dignitaries, journalists, and tourists
- The drone show typically begins after the diya lighting sequence — stay for the full evening
The official program typically runs from approximately 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the main day, with the diya lighting at sunset (around 5:30–6:00 PM in November) being the visual centrepiece.
Ram Mandir Darshan + Deepotsav — Planning Both Together
Most devotees who come for Deepotsav also want Ram Mandir darshan. The challenge: both happen on the same day and both require planning.
The recommended sequence:
7 November morning (8:00 AM–11:30 AM): Ram Mandir darshan. Book your Sugam Darshan e-pass at online.srjbtkshetra.org for the morning slot. The morning before the main event is calmer than the afternoon when the Deepotsav crowd has fully arrived.
11:30 AM–1:30 PM: Lunch, rest at accommodation.
2:00 PM: Arrive at Ram Ki Paidi with Deepotsav e-pass. Secure viewing position.
3:00 PM–8:00 PM: Full Deepotsav ceremony including diya lighting and drone show.
This sequence completes both the spiritual and experiential goals of an Ayodhya Deepotsav visit without the two programs conflicting.
Do not try to do Ram Mandir darshan in the evening of 7 November — the post-Deepotsav crowd surge at the Ram Mandir is significant and queue times extend well into the night.
Accommodation — The Most Critical Planning Step
Ayodhya is a relatively small city that receives an enormous influx during Deepotsav. Accommodation fills completely — typically 3 to 4 months before the event.
If you plan to attend Deepotsav 2026 on 7 November, book accommodation by early August at the absolute latest — ideally in July.
Options:
- Ayodhya city — closest to Ram Ki Paidi and Ram Mandir; fills first
- Faizabad (adjacent city, 7 km from Ayodhya centre) — more options, slightly further
- Lucknow (135 km away) — reliable accommodation, many visitors drive in on the day; plan for 3–4 hour commute and traffic on event day
- Government guesthouses — limited but available through UP Tourism portal
Private buses from Lucknow, Varanasi, Allahabad, and surrounding cities increase on Deepotsav days. Many visitors come as day-trippers from these cities.
How to Reach Ayodhya for Deepotsav 2026
By train: Ayodhya Junction (AY) has connectivity from Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. During Deepotsav, special trains are typically added — check IRCTC for additional services announced closer to November.
By road: Ayodhya is connected to Lucknow (135 km, 2.5 hours), Varanasi (200 km, 4 hours), Prayagraj (165 km, 3 hours).
By air: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya — operational with limited flights. Larger airports: Lucknow (Chaudhary Charan Singh International, 135 km) and Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri International, 200 km).
Note on event day traffic: On 7 November, road access to central Ayodhya and Ram Ki Paidi is restricted and managed by police. Private vehicles will likely not be allowed in the inner city — park at designated outer lots and use shuttle services or walk. Factor in 60–90 minutes from parking to event area.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
“Could not see the drone show clearly” → Cause: Not at Ram Ki Paidi — in a general public zone farther from the main event → Fix: Register for the main event zone e-pass on 1 September. Arrive by 2:00 PM at Ram Ki Paidi on 7 November.
“Accommodation not available in October/November” → Cause: Everything within Ayodhya books out 3–4 months ahead → Fix: Book in July. Alternative: Faizabad or Lucknow with day-trip logistics planned.
“Arrived without e-pass — turned away from main zone” → Cause: Pass not obtained during registration window → Fix: General public viewing from areas farther from Ram Ki Paidi is still possible. For future: register on 1 September opening day.
“Ram Mandir crowded on Deepotsav evening” → Cause: Post-event crowd surge at the Ram Mandir → Fix: Do Ram Mandir darshan in the morning on 7 November before the Deepotsav crowd fully arrives.
Checklist Before Leaving for Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026
☑ Deepotsav e-pass registered at UP Tourism portal — registration opens 1 September 2026; register on opening morning ☑ Accommodation booked in Ayodhya/Faizabad — book by July; 3–4 months ahead for festival ☑ Ram Mandir Sugam Darshan e-pass booked at online.srjbtkshetra.org for 7 November morning slot ☑ Travel booked — trains book out fast; check IRCTC for special Deepotsav trains in August–September ☑ Arrival at Ram Ki Paidi by 2:00 PM on 7 November for good position before 3:00 PM program ☑ Evening plan: stay through diya lighting (sunset ~5:30 PM) and drone show ☑ Event day transport: private vehicles likely restricted; plan for shuttle/walk from outer parking
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026?
The main Deepotsav event — diya lighting, grand Aarti, and drone show — is on 7 November 2026. Cultural programs and pre-event activities begin on 6 November. Post-event celebrations continue on 8 November. Verify the exact date with the UP Government as confirmation approaches.
Is Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 free to attend?
Yes — entry to Deepotsav is free for all. However, an official e-pass is mandatory for entry to the main event zones near Ram Ki Paidi. Without a pass, access to the best viewing areas may be restricted. Pass registration opens 1 September 2026 via the UP Tourism portal.
How do I get a free Deepotsav e-pass?
Registration opens 1 September 2026. Monitor the official Uttar Pradesh Tourism website for the registration link. Register with your Aadhaar, mobile number, and group size. Download your digital e-pass. Passes are limited — register on the opening day to secure access to the main event zones.
How many diyas will be lit at Deepotsav 2026?
The 2026 target is 28 lakh (2.8 million) diyas across 56 ghats of the Saryu River, aiming to break the previous year’s Guinness World Record. Previous years have successfully broken records consecutively since 2017.
What is the best spot to watch Deepotsav in Ayodhya?
Ram Ki Paidi ghat is the main event location — the primary diya lighting, the 1,100-pandit grand Aarti, and the 500-drone Ramayana formation show all happen here. Arrive by 2:00 PM on 7 November and have your main event zone e-pass to secure position.
Can I do Ram Mandir darshan and Deepotsav on the same day?
Yes — but sequence matters. Do Ram Mandir darshan in the morning (book Sugam pass for 8:00–11:00 AM at online.srjbtkshetra.org). Then go to Ram Ki Paidi by 2:00 PM for Deepotsav. Avoid Ram Mandir darshan in the evening of 7 November — post-Deepotsav crowd makes queues very long.
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 ke liye kaise plan karein?
Deepotsav date: 7 November 2026. E-pass registration: 1 September 2026 — UP Tourism portal par. Accommodation: July mein book kar lein — Ayodhya 3–4 mahine pehle bhar jaata hai. Ram Mandir darshan 7 November subah karo — online.srjbtkshetra.org par booking. Dopahar 2 PM Ram Ki Paidi pahunchein — shaam 5:30 PM diya lighting aur uske baad drone show dekhein.
Contact and Help
UP Tourism portal (e-pass): uptourism.gov.in Ram Mandir darshan pass: online.srjbtkshetra.org Ayodhya Deepotsav venue: Ram Ki Paidi Ghat, Saryu River, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Official Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Deepotsav e-pass (opens 1 Sep 2026) | uptourism.gov.in |
| Ram Mandir Sugam Darshan pass | online.srjbtkshetra.org |
One Last Thing
The first Deepotsav was 2017. Ayodhya then was a pilgrimage city with a disputed site and an ancient temple. Nine years later, the Ram Mandir stands consecrated, the Corridor connects the temple to the Saryu, and the city lights 28 lakh diyas every November.
The people of Ayodhya have been recreating the welcome for Lord Ram’s return every year since 2017. Each year they light more diyas than the year before. Each year more people come to see it.
The drone formations over the Saryu — 500 drones making the shape of Ram, of Hanuman, of the bow and arrow — are new. The diyas on the riverbank, watched by hundreds of thousands of people standing in silence, are as old as memory.
Priya registered her e-pass on 1 September 2026 at 9:15 AM. She booked accommodation in Faizabad in July. She plans to arrive at Ram Ki Paidi at 1:45 PM on 7 November.
She said she does not want to watch the drone show from 800 metres away again.
Register at uptourism.gov.in on 1 September.
Jai Shri Ram.
Mauhari khargupur nawabganj (gonda)