Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurates Deepotsav 2026 celebrations in Ayodhya

AYODHYA — Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the Deepotsav 2026 celebrations at Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, today. He witnessed the spectacular illumination of the ghats with millions of diyas, cultural presentations depicting the Ramayana and musical fireworks. He also participated in the sacred Saryu Aarti at Naya Ghat.

Addressing the gathering at Ram Ki Paidi, the Vice-President highlighted the remarkable growth of Deepotsav since its inception in 2017, when over 1.7 lakh lamps were illuminated. He said that the celebration reached over 26 lakh lamps in 2025, while its tenth edition envisaged more than 30 lakh diyas at Ram Ki Paidi and over 70 lakh across Ayodhya. He congratulated the Uttar Pradesh Government for taking the festival to national and international prominence. The Vice-President appreciated the festival’s contribution to local livelihoods, creating opportunities for potters, rural women, artisans, performers, hotel and homestay operators, guides and transport providers. He also welcomed the innovative use of technology, including more than 2,100 indigenous drones depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the participation of around 1,000 artists in cultural programmes. Referring to the millions of lamps illuminating Ayodhya, he said they symbolised the transformation taking place in the lives of crores of Indians. He appreciated Uttar Pradesh’s initiatives in women’s empowerment, education, agriculture, healthcare, housing and entrepreneurship, and observed that the State was progressing towards becoming ‘Uttam Pradesh’. Addressing the youth, the Vice-President urged them to understand the Ramayana and imbibe its teachings in their daily conduct. He called upon young people to embrace science, innovation and technology while remaining connected to India’s values, languages, traditions and cultural wisdom. India must be modern in its aspirations while remaining firmly rooted in its civilisational values, he said. Earlier, the Vice-President offered prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and participated in special prayers and aarti of Shri Ram-Janaki at Ram Katha Park.

Addressing the gathering at Ram Katha Park, the Vice-President said that Bhagwan Shri Ram is the eternal embodiment of Dharma, righteousness, compassion and ideal conduct.

Strategic Significance & Context

Describing Ayodhya as a shining example of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, the Vice-President noted that the development of roads, ghats, pilgrimage facilities, accommodation and improved rail and air connectivity had significantly transformed the experience of pilgrims and visitors. The Vice-President congratulated the Uttar Pradesh Government, the administration, artists, volunteers, artisans and citizens for making the tenth edition of Deepotsav a grand celebration of Jan Bhagidari, reflecting Bharat’s collective faith and devotion. The celebrations were attended by Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt. Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya and Shri Brajesh Pathak, Ministers, revered saints and seers, and other distinguished guests.

Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the Deepotsav 2026 celebrations at Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, today. He witnessed the spectacular illumination of the ghats with millions of diyas, cultural presentations depicting the Ramayana and musical fireworks. He also participated in the sacred Saryu Aarti at Naya Ghat.

Addressing the gathering at Ram Ki Paidi, the Vice-President highlighted the remarkable growth of Deepotsav since its inception in 2017, when over 1.7 lakh lamps were illuminated. He said that the celebration reached over 26 lakh lamps in 2025, while its tenth edition envisaged more than 30 lakh diyas at Ram Ki Paidi and over 70 lakh across Ayodhya. He congratulated the Uttar Pradesh Government for taking the festival to national and international prominence. The Vice-President appreciated the festival’s contribution to local livelihoods, creating opportunities for potters, rural women, artisans, performers, hotel and homestay operators, guides and transport providers. He also welcomed the innovative use of technology, including more than 2,100 indigenous drones depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the participation of around 1,000 artists in cultural programmes. Referring to the millions of lamps illuminating Ayodhya, he said they symbolised the transformation taking place in the lives of crores of Indians. He appreciated Uttar Pradesh’s initiatives in women’s empowerment, education, agriculture, healthcare, housing and entrepreneurship, and observed that the State was progressing towards becoming ‘Uttam Pradesh’. Addressing the youth, the Vice-President urged them to understand the Ramayana and imbibe its teachings in their daily conduct. He called upon young people to embrace science, innovation and technology while remaining connected to India’s values, languages, traditions and cultural wisdom. India must be modern in its aspirations while remaining firmly rooted in its civilisational values, he said. Earlier, the Vice-President offered prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and participated in special prayers and aarti of Shri Ram-Janaki at Ram Katha Park.

Operational Milestones & Policy Directives

Addressing the gathering at Ram Katha Park, the Vice-President said that Bhagwan Shri Ram is the eternal embodiment of Dharma, righteousness, compassion and ideal conduct.

Describing Ayodhya as a shining example of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, the Vice-President noted that the development of roads, ghats, pilgrimage facilities, accommodation and improved rail and air connectivity had significantly transformed the experience of pilgrims and visitors. The Vice-President congratulated the Uttar Pradesh Government, the administration, artists, volunteers, artisans and citizens for making the tenth edition of Deepotsav a grand celebration of Jan Bhagidari, reflecting Bharat’s collective faith and devotion. The celebrations were attended by Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt. Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya and Shri Brajesh Pathak, Ministers, revered saints and seers, and other distinguished guests.

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