Ayodhya targets record with over 3 million lamps during Deepotsav 2026

Ayodhya, Oct 23 : Ayodhya is gearing up for a grand and historic Deepotsav 2026, with a target of lighting over three million lamps to set a new record. The festival will be celebrated from November 5 to 7 under the guidance of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

More than 35,000 volunteers from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, its affiliated colleges and various voluntary organisations will participate in the grand event.

As part of the preparations, University Vice-Chancellor Dr Bijendra Singh performed the traditional worship of Mother Saryu and Lord Shri Ram at Ram Ki Paidi on Friday and prayed for the successful and smooth conduct of Deepotsav.

Dr Singh said the historic event provides an opportunity to showcase Ayodhya's spiritual significance and cultural heritage to the world. He said every lamp lit by a volunteer symbolises faith and patriotism.

The university administration and district authorities are making extensive arrangements to ensure that the event is conducted in a systematic and disciplined manner. Volunteers are being trained across various faculties and departments on arranging lamps according to a prescribed grid, managing oil and wicks, and completing the task within the stipulated time.

Special emphasis is being placed on adhering to the standards required for recognition by the Guinness World Records. The Deepotsav committees are finalising the marking of ghats, allocation of lamps and arrangements for supplying oil to ensure that the target is achieved without any hurdles.

Dr Singh expressed confidence that collective efforts would help Avadh University surpass its previous record and establish a new milestone. The illumination is expected to highlight Ayodhya's cultural heritage, spiritual identity and the grandeur of its Sanatan traditions before a global audience.

Meanwhile, preparations have also intensified to give the city a grand and attractive appearance ahead of Deepotsav 2026. The provincial division of the Public Works Department is carrying out painting and maintenance work on dividers and railings along major roads, including Dharmapath, Rampath and Mahobara Road.

Public Works Department Assistant Engineer Sushant Tripathi said the work was being undertaken to enhance the appearance of the city's main roads and ensure that they reflect Ayodhya's religious significance, cultural identity and grandeur.

The beautification drive aims to provide devotees and tourists visiting the temple town during Deepotsav with a glimpse of the magnificence of Ramnagari.