Ayodhya Deepotsav: Folk Performances Showcase India’s Cultural Diversity as Celebrations Begin

The procession was flagged off by Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh from Saket College. It featured representations of folk traditions from different states, bringing the streets of the temple town alive with music, dance and festive celebrations.

The beats of drums and cymbals accompanied performances by Dhobiya dancers and artists dressed in traditional attire. Women drummers led several tableaux, while devotees and tourists welcomed the performers by showering flower petals along the route.

Artists from across the country have assembled in Ayodhya to present traditional dances and musical forms as part of this year's celebrations.

Artists from Mathura and Telangana bring regional traditions to Ayodhya

A 15-member troupe from Mathura presented the traditional peacock dance. Members of the group said that although they were devotees of Lord Krishna, performing in the city associated with Lord Ram was a special honour.

A 15-member tribal troupe from Telangana also drew attention with its energetic Gusadi dance. Wearing traditional costumes and crowns decorated with peacock feathers, the performers presented a group routine accompanied by rhythmic drumming.

Several other groups from Mathura participated in the celebrations, including performers of Nagada and Bam Rasiya.

Laxman Beniwal, a member of one of the participating groups, said his team visits Ayodhya for the festival every year. He recalled that the group had also been present in the city during the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla.

Beniwal said the scale and enthusiasm of Deepotsav continued to attract his team and expressed hope that the festival would grow further, providing artists with more opportunities to perform.

A woman artist taking part in the celebrations said she had begun performing at cultural programmes only this year and was delighted to receive an opportunity to showcase her talent in Ayodhya. Several performers said their presentations were dedicated to Lord Ram and the people of the city.

Over three million diyas planned across 56 ghats

The grand lamp-lighting ceremony along the banks of the Saryu River is expected to be the central attraction of the festival.

More than three million earthen lamps have been arranged across 56 ghats, including Ram Ki Paidi.

Around 35,000 volunteers from Avadh University worked for three days to complete preparations for the ceremony. On Saturday morning, volunteers continued filling the lamps with oil and placing cotton wicks in them.

For the event, organisers have deployed 900 ghat coordinators, 112 ghat in-charges and 27 supervisors to oversee arrangements.

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are scheduled to be present when the diyas are illuminated in the evening.

Maha Aarti and drone show among major attractions

The celebrations will also feature the Saryu Maha Aarti, with 2,147 priests expected to participate.

A drone show involving 2,100 drones is planned for the night. The display will recreate episodes from the Ramayana in the sky above the riverfront.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has also been illuminated with colourful lights for the occasion. Devotees and tourists from different parts of the country have continued to arrive in Ayodhya to take part in the festivities.

Temples, major roads and riverfront ghats are witnessing a festive atmosphere, with folk dances, Ramlila performances and rows of lamps highlighting the city's cultural and spiritual traditions.