UP to seek public ideas through MyGov UP for Ayodhya Deepotsav
Public ideas and youth participation will help shape Uttar Pradesh’s plans for Deepotsav 2026 in Ayodhya, with Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh directing officials to invite suggestions through MyGov UP to make the celebrations grander and more innovative.Mr Singh said young people should be actively involved in shaping the festival and encouraged to become torchbearers of the state’s cultural traditions.
The direction came during a preparatory review with Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat. The meeting examined the cultural programme, proposed attractions and visitor arrangements for the November 7 celebrations.
The state is preparing to make Deepotsav 2026 in Ayodhya its grandest edition yet, with a target of around 30 lakh diyas, Ram-themed celebrations across Ayodhya’s streets and riverfront, and wider international participation. Public suggestions would be considered as part of efforts to introduce fresh ideas into the programme.
A show featuring 2,100 drones is planned for Deepotsav and again on Jamghat, two days later, offering residents and tourists a second opportunity to watch. Live performances combined with 3D projection, laser shows and musical green fireworks also form part of the Tourism Department’s preparations.
The international outreach would include invitations to tourism and culture ministers or designated representatives of partner countries. Members of the Indian diaspora would be invited through Indian embassies and ambassadors in more than 30 countries, widening participation in Ayodhya’s celebrations.
Mr Singh directed officials to install prominent directional signage to help people navigate the city easily. He also instructed that bhajans be played from 4am on Deepotsav day, creating an atmosphere of faith and devotion across Ayodhya from early morning.
Mr Abhijat asked officials to create selfie points without obstructing pedestrian movement. He also called for roadside installations depicting different kands, or sections of the Ramayan, including Lanka Kand, to carry simple explanations in one line so that younger children can understand the stories.
Ten Ramayan-themed gates are proposed along Dharam Path, with three additional gateways on major approach roads to Ayodhya, including the Sultanpur and Raebareli routes. A static installation depicting the Pushpak Viman in the Saryu was also discussed.
The proposed programme includes a collective Saryu aarti by over 2,100 batuks, or young Vedic students. More than 240 temples and maths are envisaged as participants in lamp lighting, while industry and trade organisations would support celebrations at 25 major junctions, extending the festive setting into neighbourhoods and public spaces.
The Culture Department is preparing Ramlila performances by Indian and overseas troupes, traditional folk dances and a tableaux procession from Saket College to Ram Katha Park. Bharat Milap and the symbolic coronation of Lord Ram also form part of the programme. The Vanar Sena contingent, which included 100 children last year, is also planned to be expanded.
At the museum complex, plans include a digital Ramayan, sculptures depicting the Ram Van Gaman route, a Ram-themed bazaar and exhibitions of books and paintings. A presentation titled ‘Shri Ram Ki Vaishvik Yatra’ is also envisaged.
The review covered lamp lighting arrangements, volunteer coordination, and the proposed use of artificial intelligence to count visitors. Preparations involve the district administration, Shri Ayodhya Ji Teerth Vikas Parishad, and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University. Security, sanitation, electricity supply, road repairs, and completion of ongoing works in the Ram ki Paidi area were also discussed.
A proposed list of 284 development projects across departments, together worth Rs 5,452.79 crore, was reviewed for inauguration and foundation laying during Deepotsav. These comprise 152 projects worth Rs 4,130.25 crore listed for inauguration and 132 worth Rs 1,322.54 crore for foundation laying.
The meeting also discussed a proposal for three major art workshops and camps in 2026 to connect younger generations with Uttar Pradesh’s art and culture.
A national workshop and lecture series titled ‘Ram, Ramayan and Ayodhya’ will be held at Ram ki Paidi/Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya from October 22 to 26, in collaboration with Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University. It will bring together 25 artistes and 10 experts.
The State Lalit Kala Akademi, Lucknow, will organise ‘Lokdhara’, a traditional and folk painting camp, from November 18 to 22. Partner institutions will include Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, the Faculty of Arts and Crafts at Lucknow University, Amity University, and Unity College.
The state is preparing to make Deepotsav 2026 in Ayodhya its grandest edition yet, with a target of around 30 lakh diyas, Ram-themed celebrations across Ayodhya’s streets and riverfront, and wider international participation. Public suggestions would be considered as part of efforts to introduce fresh ideas into the programme.
A show featuring 2,100 drones is planned for Deepotsav and again on Jamghat, two days later, offering residents and tourists a second opportunity to watch. Live performances combined with 3D projection, laser shows and musical green fireworks also form part of the Tourism Department’s preparations.
Mr Abhijat asked officials to create selfie points without obstructing pedestrian movement. He also called for roadside installations depicting different kands, or sections of the Ramayan, including Lanka Kand, to carry simple explanations in one line so that younger children can understand the stories.
The proposed programme includes a collective Saryu aarti by over 2,100 batuks, or young Vedic students. More than 240 temples and maths are envisaged as participants in lamp lighting, while industry and trade organisations would support celebrations at 25 major junctions, extending the festive setting into neighbourhoods and public spaces.
At the museum complex, plans include a digital Ramayan, sculptures depicting the Ram Van Gaman route, a Ram-themed bazaar and exhibitions of books and paintings. A presentation titled ‘Shri Ram Ki Vaishvik Yatra’ is also envisaged.
A proposed list of 284 development projects across departments, together worth Rs 5,452.79 crore, was reviewed for inauguration and foundation laying during Deepotsav. These comprise 152 projects worth Rs 4,130.25 crore listed for inauguration and 132 worth Rs 1,322.54 crore for foundation laying.
The meeting also discussed a proposal for three major art workshops and camps in 2026 to connect younger generations with Uttar Pradesh’s art and culture.
A national workshop and lecture series titled ‘Ram, Ramayan and Ayodhya’ will be held at Ram ki Paidi/Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya from October 22 to 26, in collaboration with Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University. It will bring together 25 artistes and 10 experts.
The State Lalit Kala Akademi, Lucknow, will organise ‘Lokdhara’, a traditional and folk painting camp, from November 18 to 22. Partner institutions will include Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, the Faculty of Arts and Crafts at Lucknow University, Amity University, and Unity College.
