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The Vice-President of India inaugurated the 10th edition of Deepotsav at Ram ki Paidi in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on 7 November 2026.
Why in news: what happened at Ayodhya?
The Vice-President of India inaugurated the 10th edition of Deepotsav 2026 at Ram ki Paidi in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on 7 November 2026, attending the celebrations as Chief Guest.
He watched the ghats lit with lakhs of diyas, cultural performances based on the Ramayana and musical fireworks. He also took part in the Saryu aarti at Naya Ghat.
Earlier, he offered prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and attended the special puja and aarti of Shri Ram-Janaki at Ram Katha Park.
- Prayers at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
- Ram Katha Park puja and aarti
- Inauguration at Ram ki Paidi
- Saryu aarti at Naya Ghat
Key numbers from the Vice-President's address
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| First Deepotsav (2017) | 1.7 lakh diyas |
| Deepotsav 2025 | More than 26 lakh diyas |
| 10th edition, Ram ki Paidi (envisaged) | More than 30 lakh diyas |
| 10th edition, all of Ayodhya (envisaged) | More than 70 lakh diyas |
| Indigenous drones used | More than 2,100 |
| Artistes in cultural programmes | About 1,000 |
The 30 lakh and 70 lakh figures are what the 10th edition was envisaged to reach, according to the release. Treat them as plans, not as a final count.
Static link: festival, livelihoods and heritage
The Vice-President said Deepotsav has become a festival of public participation (jan-bhagidari) that reflects India's collective faith. He said India should keep its civilisational values while embracing modern aspirations.
He credited the festival with creating opportunities for potters, rural women, artisans, artists, hotel and homestay operators, guides and transport providers. He described Ayodhya as an example of 'vikas bhi, virasat bhi' (development as well as heritage), citing better roads, ghats, pilgrim facilities, accommodation, and rail and air connectivity.
- Theme: culture-led local economy and tourism
- Technology: drone shows of Ramayana episodes
- Governance: state government and administration credited for the scale
Uttar Pradesh angle: Ayodhya and the state
The Vice-President praised the Uttar Pradesh government for taking the festival to national and international recognition.
He also appreciated the state's initiatives in women's empowerment, education, agriculture, healthcare, housing and entrepreneurship, and said the state is moving towards becoming 'Uttam Pradesh'. For UPPSC GS-V, the useful link is culture and tourism as a driver of local livelihoods.
Common confusions
| Point | Clarification |
|---|---|
| Who inaugurated it? | The Vice-President, not the President or Prime Minister |
| Which edition? | 10th edition of Deepotsav |
| Where? | Ram ki Paidi, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh |
| Diya counts | 30 lakh and 70 lakh are envisaged figures |
Key Terms
- Deepotsav
- The festival of lamps held at Ayodhya, here its 10th edition in 2026.
- Jan-bhagidari
- Public participation, the Vice-President's description of the festival.
- Ram ki Paidi
- The ghats on the Saryu in Ayodhya where the main lighting takes place.
UPPSC syllabus: GS-I, GS-V
FAQs
Who inaugurated Deepotsav 2026?
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated it at Ram ki Paidi, Ayodhya, on 7 November 2026.
Which edition is Deepotsav 2026?
It is the 10th edition of the festival.
How many diyas were lit in 2025?
According to the Vice-President, more than 26 lakh.
Sources: PIB: Vice-President inaugurates Deepotsav 2026 in Ayodhya
Last verified: 2026-11-09
