Ayodhya celebrates 10th Deepotsav with over 30 lakh diyas, Yogi targets Ram temple movement critics

Ayodhya was illuminated by more than 30 lakh earthen lamps on Saturday as the temple town marked the 10th edition of Deepotsav, with diyas lighting up 56 ghats along the banks of the Saryu River. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the celebrations, which featured religious ceremonies, cultural performances and a spectacular display of lights.

More than 35,000 volunteers took part in lighting the diyas across the riverfront, while around one lakh lamps illuminated the premises of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The festivities also included a 2,100-drone show depicting episodes from the Ramayana, musical fireworks and performances by artists from India and abroad.

The celebrations showcased Ayodhya's spiritual and cultural heritage, drawing thousands of people to the ghats to witness the illuminated riverfront. Artists staged elaborate performances depicting significant episodes from the Ramayana, bringing scenes from the epic to life.

Deepotsav was first organised in 2017, when around 1.71 lakh lamps were lit. The scale of the celebrations has expanded over the years, with more than 26 lakh diyas illuminated in 2025.

Vice President calls Ram temple a symbol of Hindu self-respect

Addressing the gathering, Vice President Radhakrishnan spoke about the country's leadership and Ayodhya's transformation into a spiritual destination. He said the city was more than a smart city or a solar city, describing it as a spiritual city.

“After a long time, a saint became the chief minister of the state. PM Narendra Modi is from a humble background; he became the prime minister of this country, and he has been leading this nation for the last 12 years in the best way... When the Chief Minister mentioned that Ayodhya is not only a smart city or a solar city, Ayodhya is the spiritual city... Today, after the darshan at the temple, I feel proud that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath, the Ram temple is now a monument of our entire Hindu self-respect,” he said.

Radhakrishnan also highlighted the growth of Deepotsav since its inception, saying the festival had evolved into a celebration of public participation and collective faith. He noted that the event had created livelihood opportunities for potters, artisans, rural women, performers and people working in hospitality, transport and tourism.

The Vice President participated in prayers and the Saryu Aarti, besides attending the celebrations at Ram Ki Paidi and Ram Katha Park.

Yogi recalls Ram Janmabhoomi movement, asks critics to apologise

Earlier, Adityanath addressed a large gathering at Ram Katha Park after performing aarti and offering prayers to Lord Ram and Goddess Janaki. Reflecting on Ayodhya's transformation, the chief minister recalled the decades-long struggle surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the sacrifices made by kar sevaks and saints.

He criticised political leaders whom he accused of suppressing the movement and ordering police action against devotees and saints. Adityanath said those who had neglected and insulted Ram devotees should apologise before visiting Ayodhya.

“An airport could never be built in Ayodhya in the past. Today, Ayodhya boasts an international airport named after Maharishi Valmiki... I have come here today to assure you of this: those who once neglected and insulted us, who opened fire on the devotees of Lord Ram, and who humiliated and lathi-charged the saints, if they ever visit Ayodhya, they must come only after offering an apology. Let them apologise to the devotees of Lord Ram; let them apologise to the saints. Let them repent for their past actions...” he said.

The chief minister also highlighted the city's development and the changes in its infrastructure, including the international airport named after Maharishi Valmiki.

Five-day Diwali celebrations across the country

The five-day Diwali festivities began with Dhanteras on November 6, followed by Choti Diwali on November 7. The main festival and Lakshmi Puja will be observed on November 8, followed by Govardhan Puja on November 9 and Bhai Dooj on November 10.

Ayodhya's Deepotsav celebrations were held a day before the main Diwali festival, recreating the traditional welcome believed to have been given to Lord Ram upon his return to the city after 14 years of exile.