UP to seek suggestions for Deepotsav 2026, plans drone show

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government will seek suggestions from the public through MyGov UP to make ‘Deepotsav 2026’ in Ayodhya more innovative and expansive, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said on Wednesday. Singh gave the direction during a review meeting with Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat, to discuss preparations for the November 7 celebrations.

According to a state government statement, Singh said young people should be actively involved in shaping the festival and encouraged to become “torchbearers” of the state’s cultural traditions.

The government is targeting around 30 lakh diyas for this year’s Deepotsav, with Ram-themed decorations and programmes planned across Ayodhya’s streets and riverfront. The Tourism Department is also preparing a 2,100-drone show, which is planned to be held again during Jamghat, two days after Deepotsav, giving residents and tourists another opportunity to watch it, the statement said.

Live performances combined with 3D projection, laser shows and musical green fireworks are also being planned, it said. As part of efforts to increase international participation, the state plans to invite tourism and culture ministers or designated representatives of partner countries.

The statement said members of the Indian diaspora in more than 30 countries would also be invited through Indian embassies and ambassadors. Singh directed officials to install prominent directional signs across the city to facilitate movement of visitors. He also instructed that bhajans be played from 4 am on Deepotsav day to create an atmosphere of devotion from early morning, according to the statement. Abhijat directed officials to create selfie points without obstructing pedestrian movement and suggested roadside installations depicting different sections, or kands, of the Ramayan.

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