Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 Date: 7 November — Schedule, Diyas, Live & Travel Guide
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 is on 7 November (Chhoti Diwali). Schedule, 26.5 lakh diyas target, drone show, live streaming, parking rules & hotel tips.
Last updated: 29 September 2026
Quick answer: Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 will be held on Saturday, 7 November 2026 — Chhoti Diwali, one day before Diwali (8 November). This is the 10th Deepotsav. The administration has set a target of 26,50,101 diyas on 56 ghats along the Saryu, lit by about 35,000 volunteers. The main diya lighting happens at Ram Ki Paidi in the evening, followed by the Saryu Aarti, a drone show and fireworks.
Most websites are showing different dates (6, 7, 8 or even 10 November). That is why we have put the confirmed information in one place, with the sources. If you are planning to go to Ayodhya for Deepotsav, read the date, timing, crowd, parking and hotel sections below before booking.
Deepotsav 2026 Date: When Is Ayodhya Deepotsav?
| Detail | Deepotsav 2026 |
|---|---|
| Main Deepotsav date | Saturday, 7 November 2026 (Chhoti Diwali) |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Edition | 10th Deepotsav (started in 2017) |
| Diyas target | 26,50,101 diyas |
| Ghats | 56 ghats, main venue Ram Ki Paidi |
| Volunteers | About 35,000 (mainly Awadh University students) |
| Organiser | UP Tourism & Culture Department, Ayodhya administration |
| Entry fee | Free for the public at open ghats (VIP enclosures are pass-only) |
Why the date confusion? Deepotsav is always held on the eve of Diwali. In 2026, Diwali falls on 8 November, so the main Deepotsav evening is 7 November, as reported by the Ayodhya administration. Some reports also mention additional drone-show performances on the following days, so a 2–3 day festive period is expected. The final official programme is released by UP Tourism a few weeks before the event — check uptourism.gov.in and the Government of India's Utsav portal before you travel.
Deepotsav 2026 Kitne Diye Jalenge? (Diyas Target & Past Records)
For Deepotsav 2026, the target is 26,50,101 diyas across 56 ghats. Earlier reports had mentioned 28 lakh, but the latest figure shared by the organisers (September 2026) is 26.5 lakh. Only diyas that are counted as lit at the same time are included in the official record.
| Year | Diyas lit (reported) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 (9th) | 26,17,215 | Guinness World Records for the largest display of oil lamps and for the most people doing diya aarti together |
| 2026 (10th) | Target 26,50,101 | Drone show, green fire show at Saryu Aarti, folk artists from 9 states |
Reports say that in 2026 the focus is on an "Ayodhya Deepotsav record" of its own, along with the cultural programme. So don't be surprised if you don't see a new Guinness attempt announced this time.
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 Schedule (Expected)
The exact minute-by-minute programme is released only close to the event. Based on the pattern of previous years, the day usually goes like this:
| Time (approx.) | What happens | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Morning – afternoon | Ramayana shobha yatra (tableaux procession) through the city | Saket College to Ram Katha Park |
| Afternoon | Symbolic arrival of Shri Ram, Sita and Lakshman by "Pushpak Viman" (helicopter) and Rajyabhishek | Ram Katha Park |
| Evening (around sunset) | Main diya lighting and counting | Ram Ki Paidi and other ghats |
| After diya lighting | Saryu Maha Aarti, laser and projection show | Saryu ghats |
| Night | Drone show (about 2,100 drones reported) and fireworks | Ram Ki Paidi |
| All day | Ramleela by national and international troupes, folk performances | Ram Katha Park and stages across the city |
Tip: The ghats start filling from early afternoon. If you want a good view of the diya lighting, reach the Ram Ki Paidi area by 2–3 PM. For a regular evening visit, see our Saryu Aarti time and best place guide.
Ram Mandir Darshan During Deepotsav
The Ram Mandir is specially decorated during Deepotsav, and the crowd is very heavy on 7 and 8 November. Keep these points in mind:
- Book a free Sugam Darshan pass in advance on the official Trust portal online.srjbtkshetra.org. Step-by-step process: Ram Mandir Sugam Darshan pass kaise banaye.
- Do darshan a day before (6 November) or early in the morning. Evening darshan on Deepotsav day is very crowded.
- There is no paid VIP darshan. All passes are free. Anyone selling a "Deepotsav VIP pass" for the temple is running a scam — read how to avoid VIP darshan fraud.
- Mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple. Use the locker facility — details in Ram Mandir locker facility guide.
- Check the latest timings and notices on the Trust website srjbtkshetra.org.
Deepotsav Ayodhya Live Kaise Dekhe?
If you can't go to Ayodhya, you can watch Deepotsav live from home:
- Doordarshan: DD National and Doordarshan Uttar Pradesh have broadcast Deepotsav live in previous years.
- UP Tourism and UP Government social media: Official YouTube, Facebook and X handles usually stream the diya lighting and drone show.
- News channels: Most Hindi news channels run the Deepotsav live stream on their YouTube channels in the evening.
The live stream usually starts around sunset (about 5:00–5:30 PM in November).
Traffic, Parking & Vehicle Entry Rules During Deepotsav
Every year the Ayodhya police announce a traffic diversion plan for Deepotsav. Based on previous years:
- Private four-wheelers and outside taxis are usually not allowed on Ram Path, Dharm Path and the ghat area from the afternoon of Deepotsav day.
- Vehicles coming from Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi are stopped at outer parking lots, from where e-rickshaws and shuttle buses run.
- Walking is often the fastest way in the old city area on this day.
Before you drive, read our Ayodhya parking and vehicle entry guide. For short local rides, see whether Ola/Uber and local cabs are available in Ayodhya, or book our e-rickshaw service in advance.
Hotel Booking for Ayodhya Diwali 2026
Hotels, homestays and dharamshalas near Ram Path and the Saryu ghats fill up weeks before Deepotsav, and prices can be 2–3 times higher than normal. If you haven't booked yet:
- Book now — ideally in October.
- If Ayodhya is full, consider staying in Faizabad (Ayodhya Cantt), about 8–10 km away, and come in by e-rickshaw.
- For railway retiring rooms at Ayodhya Dham Junction, check IRCTC.
Full tips: Deepotsav ke samay Ayodhya me hotel booking kaise milti hai. You can also send us your dates for hotel booking help.
How to Reach Ayodhya for Deepotsav
- By train: Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt are the main stations. Book on irctc.co.in early; festival trains fill fast. From the station, see station to Ram Mandir auto/cab fare.
- By air: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya, is about 10–12 km from the ghats. Lucknow airport is about 135 km away — see Lucknow airport to Ayodhya cab booking.
- By road: Lucknow (about 135 km), Varanasi (about 220 km) and Prayagraj (about 170 km). Leave early on 7 November to avoid diversions.
Deepotsav Travel Tips
- Carry a valid photo ID; there are multiple security checks.
- Keep very little luggage — large bags may not be allowed near the ghats.
- Choose a meeting point with your family in case you get separated in the crowd.
- Elderly visitors should avoid the peak evening crowd; watch the drone show from a less crowded ghat instead. See our senior citizen darshan guide.
- Try local food after the event — our list of famous street food in Ayodhya will help.
What Is Deepotsav? (Short Background)
Deepotsav celebrates the return of Bhagwan Shri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the victory over Ravana. According to tradition, the people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting lamps — the origin of Diwali. The Uttar Pradesh government started the modern Deepotsav in 2017, and since then Ayodhya has set several world records for lighting diyas along the Saryu.
FAQ: Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026
Deepotsav 2026 kab hai?
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 is on Saturday, 7 November 2026, the day before Diwali (8 November 2026).
Deepotsav 2026 me kitne diye jalenge?
The target for 2026 is 26,50,101 diyas on 56 ghats. In 2025, 26,17,215 diyas were lit.
Is there any entry fee for Deepotsav in Ayodhya?
No. Watching Deepotsav from the open ghats is free. Only some VIP enclosures need an official pass, which is issued by the administration, not sold by agents.
Deepotsav Ayodhya live kaise dekhe?
You can watch it live on DD National, Doordarshan Uttar Pradesh on YouTube, UP Tourism's official social media and major Hindi news channels. The stream usually starts around sunset.
Can I do Ram Mandir darshan on Deepotsav day?
Yes, but the crowd is very heavy. Book a free Sugam Darshan pass on online.srjbtkshetra.org and prefer early morning or the day before.
Are cars allowed in Ayodhya during Deepotsav?
Private cars and outside taxis are usually stopped at outer parking points from the afternoon of Deepotsav day. Use e-rickshaws or shuttle buses to reach the ghats.
Planning to see Deepotsav 2026? Our local team can arrange your cab, e-rickshaw, hotel and a hassle-free Ayodhya darshan plan for the festival. Send an enquiry today — festival slots fill up fast.
Ayodhya-based travel writer and Ministry of Tourism (India) certified guide. 12+ years guiding pilgrims across the Ayodhya–Varanasi–Prayagraj Holy Triangle. Every guide is fact-checked against current temple timings and local transport before publishing.
