Diwali, one of India’s most significant festivals, is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Each city in the country celebrates it with all the enthusiasm and love, and Ayodhya, Lord Ram’s birthplace, is no exception. Ayodhya Deepotsav is one of the must-attend events during Diwali in India, and this year it will be celebrated on 21 October. With its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance, Ayodhya Deepotsav promises to be an unforgettable experience. So if you are planning to experience a magical Diwali in Ayodhya, here’s an Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025 guide just for you!
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025 is the grandest festival of lights celebrated in the holy city of Ayodhya. It commemorates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The main Deepotsav day is October 21, 2025, with festivities running from October 18 to 23, 2025.
This event transforms the city into a spectacular sea of light with millions of diyas illuminating the Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex and the ghats of the River Saryu beautifully. It recreates the historic light celebration of Lord Ram’s homecoming.
Fun Fact: Ayodhya Deepotsav 2024 set two Guinness World Records. The first record was for lighting 2,512,585 diyas (earthen lamps) simultaneously along the banks of the Saryu River, marking the largest oil lamp display in the world. The second record was for the most people performing the mass ‘diya’ rotation simultaneously, with 1,121 volunteers participating.
मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम प्रभु श्री राम की पावन नगरी श्री अयोध्या धाम 30 अक्टूबर को 25 लाख दीपों के दिव्य प्रकाश से शोभायमान होने जा रही है। 🪔@uptourismgov | @upculturedept | #सबका_उत्सव_अयोध्या_दीपोत्सव | #WorldBiggestUPDeepotsav | #AyodhyaDeepotsav2024 pic.twitter.com/QyG0dlr6SB
— Government of UP (@UPGovt) October 29, 2024
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025: How To Reach
Air: The nearest airport is Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport, also called Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ), about 8-12 km from the city center.
Train: The city is connected by Ayodhya Cantt, Ayodhya Dham, and Ayodhya Junction railway stations with major hubs like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Prayagraj.
Road: Frequent state and private buses run from Lucknow (around 130-135 km), Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Delhi. The city is well-connected via national highways NH27 and NH330A, with taxis and private cars available easily.
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025: What To Expect
- The Lighting of Millions of Diyas: Between 25 to 29 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) will illuminate around 55-56 ghats and public spaces along the Saryu river and across the city, creating breathtaking views especially at Ram Ki Paidi and the Saryu ghats.
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir: The newly constructed Ram Mandir is the spiritual heart, hosting special aartis, temple ceremonies, and extended visiting hours.
- Saryu Riverfront (Ram Ki Paidi and other ghats): The riverfront will be lit and also the venue for grand aartis, floating diyas, and a vibrant atmosphere of devotion and celebration.
- Drone Show: One of the main highlights is a large-scale drone show with around 1,100 drones depicting scenes from the Ramayana, including figures of Ram, Lakshman, and Hanuman, flying over the ghats and temple areas.
- Projection Mapping and Laser Shows: A 45-minute immersive thematic light-and-sound show at Ram Ki Paidi is expected. It will bring the Ramayana and Lord Ram’s return to life with narration, music, and synchronized lighting.
- Cultural Programs: Expect Ram Leela performances, classical dances, devotional music, and storytelling sessions about the Ramayana across venues in the city.
- Grand Procession (Shobha Yatra): A vibrant procession depicting Lord Ram’s homecoming adds to the grandeur, along with fireworks and festive feasts served in traditional Awadhi style.
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025: Online Registration
For Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025, an e-pass is required for entry to key event venues, including Saryu Ghat, Ram Ki Paidi, and the Shri Ram Mandir premises, among several prominent locations across Ayodhya.
Participation in major events such as the Mega Drone Show, lamp lighting ceremonies, Shobha Yatra, and the grand aarti requires having this free e-pass. There is no cost to obtain the e-pass as it is issued free of charge by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department through online registration on the official portal.
Attendees must register online, generate, download, and carry the e-pass for verification at entry points to the venues. The e-pass is mandatory to manage the large crowds during the festival, providing organized and secure access.
Deepotsav 2023 ✨🪔
Prabhu Sri Ram Janambhoomi Ayodhya is all set to welcome our #LordRama as it aims to light 24 lakh diyas at 51 ghats 🪔💫#Ayodhya #Diwali #AyodhyaDeepotsav
(Video Credit – SM) pic.twitter.com/3f8uCD7Ksw
— Sonal Goel IAS 🇮🇳 (@sonalgoelias) November 10, 2023
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025: Where To Stay
Jyotish Bhawan
Jyotish Bhawan offers budget-friendly accommodation in Tulsi Nagar, Ayodhya. It is about 1.4 km from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and offers clean, spacious AC and Non-AC rooms with basic amenities like CCTV, hot water, and parking. It is popular among pilgrims for its convenient location near major temples, especially for the Ayodhya Deepotsav.
Location: Sapt Sagar Colony, Tulsi Nagar, Ayodhya
Cost per night: INR 1700 onwards
Swami Narayan Athithi Bhawan
Swami Narayan Athithi Bhavan, Ayodhya, is a spiritual guesthouse which is about 1.3 km from Ayodhya Junction and Ram Mandir. It offers clean and spacious rooms, including two-bed AC and non-AC rooms and four-bed AC rooms. The dharamshala emphasizes a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere and provides all essential amenities. It is an affordable and convenient accommodation choice for pilgrims visiting Ayodhya, especially during festivals and religious events.
Location: Near Tedhi Bazaar Chauraha, Ram Path, Ayodhya
Cost per night: INR 2500 onwards
Hotel Krishna Palace
Hotel Krishna Palace is a budget to mid-range accommodation option in Ayodhya, popular with pilgrims and tourists for its proximity to key religious sites. It offers basic but comfortable rooms with essential amenities such as room service, WiFi, parking, and clean facilities. The hotel’s courteous staff and quiet surroundings make it an ideal choice for visitors attending festivals and religious events. Its location ensures easy access to the Ram Mandir and other temples in Ayodhya
Location: Station Rd, opp. District Jail, Civil Line, Faizabad
Cost per night: INR 4500 onwards
The Ramayan Hotel
The Ramayana Hotel is a suburban hotel located in Faizabad, close to Ayodhya, offering 56 fully air-conditioned rooms with unique decor. It features amenities such as free WiFi, a pure vegetarian restaurant, banquet halls, and a swimming pool. Guests can enjoy conveniences like a fitness center, spa, free secured self-parking, and multilingual staff services. Located about 7 km from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, the hotel offers convenient access for festival visitors.
Location: Booth No. 4, Shahnewazpur Manjha, Ayodhya
Cost per night: INR 7400 onwards
Tips For Visiting Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025
- Arrive early on the main event day (October 21, 2025) to avoid heavy crowds and long security checks.
- Pre-book any required e-passes or tickets for special aarti slots or premium viewing areas to ensure smooth entry.
- Dress modestly and comfortably, considering large crowds and long walking distances between venues like Ram Janmabhoomi and Saryu ghats.
- Carry a valid photo ID for verification while entering event sites.
- Use designated dustbins and maintain cleanliness to preserve the sacred environment during lamp lighting and festivities.
- Stay hydrated, especially since the festival involves spending long hours outdoors from late afternoon to night.
- Choose accommodation near Ram Janmabhoomi or Saryu Ghats for easy access to main event locations. Make sure you book them well in advance to avoid a hike in prices.
Summing Up
Ayodhya Deepotsav is a festival that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. So, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the city’s transformation into a sea of lights and be a part of this grand celebration!
