How Diwali Or Deepawali Is Celebrated In Ayodhya, The Land Of Shri Ram | Divine Paths

Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025: Diwali, the festival of lights, is very important in Ayodhya since it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The celebration is tied to Lord Rama's return to his kingdom after being in exile for 14 years. According to the Ramayana, the people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama by lighting countless lamps. The people of Ayodhya or Ayodhya Wasis still treat Lord Rama as their beloved king, while they also worship him in his child form - Ram Lala, which is why, Diwali festival is so close to their hearts. In the recent times, the tradition of lighting lamps still is an expression of devotion and an important part of Ayodhya's Diwali celebrations. Lord Rama's homecoming makes Deepawali a very important event in Ayodhya, drawing pilgrims and tourists to witness this grand celebration.

In The Daily Jagran’s series Divine Paths, let us uncover how Diwali is celebrated in Ayodhya, making the arrival of Raghunandan and the celebration of love, light, devotion and spirituality.

Ayodhya Deepotsav Celebrations - Where Devotees Light Millions Of Diyas

Every year, just before the Diwali festival, the divine city of Ayodhya comes alive. Streets are freshly painted, shops are decorated with marigold flowers, and people discuss how many diyas will be lit this time, a number that continues to break records. Diwali in Ayodhya is not just a festival of lights, but it's where Diwali originated. When the sunset approaches, thousands of people gather on the ghats, waiting for the moment when the first diya will be lit. And then, the entire city erupts in light. The diyas are decorated in geometric shapes, figures, and designs depicting stories from the Ramayana.

This year, the Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025 celebrations will take place from 18th October 2025 to 23rd October 2025. It is being said that 28 Lakh diyas will be lit this year in Ayodhya during the deepotsav celebrations illuminating the 56 ghats alongside the sacred Saryu river. This new target has been set after an initial target of 26 lakh diyas was announced earlier this month, with the aim of breaking the Guinness World Record again.

Numerous diyas are lit every year during the Ayodhya Deepotsav celebrations. (Image Source: utsav.gov.in)

Ram Leela Performances - An Ode To Raghunandan

Ramlila, a traditional dramatic presentation showing scenes from the Ramayana, is another key part of Ayodhya's Diwali celebrations. These plays are performed for several days, usually starting in the afternoon and going on into the evening. Dramatic enactments of Lord Rama's journey, from his exile to his victory over Ravana are performed by professional artists and local actors during the Diwali festivities in Ayodhya.

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Grand And Majestic Fireworks Light Up The Sky

Each night of Deepotsav or Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks light up Ayodhya's skies, adding to the festive mood and spreading the message that light wins over darkness. The beautiful fireworks show is usually performed after the lamps are lit, which marks the culmination of Deepotsav celebration of the day. Watching the fireworks over the Saryu River is the most awaited part of the festival. The diya lights and the colourful fireworks make for a memorable Diwali sight in Shri Ram's land.

Aerial view of Ayodhya Deepotsav celebrations. (Image Source: utsav.gov.in)

Tableau Processions Depicting Scenes From Ramayana

During the Deepotsav festival, Ayodhya features a grand Ramayan image exhibition. It presents appealing scenes portraying key Ramayana events. The procession moves through Ayodhya's streets along with traditional music, dancers and performances by artists dressed as Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Lord Hanuman. These appealing scenes often show key moments from Lord Rama's life, such as his return to Ayodhya, his battle with Ravana, and his crowning as king. This procession is a memorable event that helps you feel the divine play of Lord Shri Rama.

Special Diwali Puja Ceremonies In Temples Of Ayodhya

During Diwali, grand temples in Ayodhya such as the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Hanuman Garhi conduct special pujas and rituals. Many devotees come together to ask for blessings from Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Hanuman. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple which is considered the birthplace of Lord Rama host numerous grand celebrations to mark the arrival of Raghunandan.

Lamp lighting alongside the Sayu River in Ayodhya. (Image Source: utsav.gov.in)

Sacred Aarti At Ram Ki Paidi

One of the most sacred experiences during Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya is the grand aarti at Ram Ki Paidi, which can surely give goosebumps to the devotees. During the time of sunset, pujaris and other priests stand by the banks of Saryu river river with large brass lamps that are rotated in rhythm with the sound of conch shells and hymns. The light of the flames is reflected in the water, and the crowd joins in chanting "Jai Shri Ram."

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Why You Should Visit Ayodhya During The Diwali Celebrations Once In Your Life?

Diwali in Ayodhya is not just a travel experience, but a divine feeling that takes you on a spiritual ride. You see faith not only in the temples but also on the faces of the people, as they are all set to celebrate the arrival of their beloved Raja Ram. You can feel the grandeur of the celebration and the rich history of Ayodhya not only in temples or streets, but in the light of every diya. And that is what makes it so ethereal. For many, it's a spiritual journey. For others, it is an unforgettable glimpse of how a city can look ethereal and magical under the light of thousands of diyas, candles and fairy lights.

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