AYODHYA FESTIVAL CALENDAR 2026–27
Ayodhya Festivals: Deepotsav on 7 November 2026 and Every Celebration Worth Planning For
Ayodhya celebrates all year, but nothing comes close to Deepotsav, when lakhs of diyas light up the Saryu ghats on the eve of Diwali. Here are the dates, what happens each day and how to plan your visit, plus every other festival worth travelling for.
- Deepotsav: 7 Nov 2026
- Diwali: 8 Nov
- Kartik Purnima: 24 Nov
- Vivah Panchami: 14 Dec
- Ram Navami: 15 Apr 2027
THE BIG ONE · 10TH DEEPOTSAV
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026: The Festival of Lights on the Saryu
On the eve of Diwali, Ayodhya welcomes Ram, Sita and Lakshman home the way the Ramayana describes it: with a lamp on every step of the Saryu. 2026 is the 10th Deepotsav, and it’s set to be the biggest one yet.
Main Event: Saturday, 7 November
Programmes run from 6 to 8 November. The diya lighting, Saryu aarti and drone show happen on the evening of the 7th, the day before Diwali.
Around 30 Lakh Diyas
The 2026 target is about 30 lakh earthen lamps across 56 ghats, placed and lit by around 35,000 student volunteers.
A World Record to Beat
In 2025, 26,17,215 diyas were lit at Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, a Guinness World Record. The first Deepotsav in 2017 had about 1.71 lakh.
2,100-Drone Show
A 2,100-drone show is planned over the Saryu, with a repeat two days later at Jamghat if you miss it.
Free to Watch
No ticket is needed to watch from the public riverfront. The core lighting zone at Ram Ki Paidi is usually kept for volunteers, officials and pass holders.
Ram Ki Paidi & the Whole City
Ram Ki Paidi is the heart of it, but the whole city glows: lit roads, flowers at every crossing and Ramayana-themed gateways and selfie points.
DEEPOTSAV 2026 · DAY BY DAY
How the Three Days of Deepotsav Unfold
The UP government announces final timings closer to the date, so treat this as your guide and check again a day before you go.
6 Nov · The City Lights Up
Celebrations begin with Ramayana-themed decorations, cultural programmes and lit-up roads. The best day to arrive and settle in.
7 Nov · Ram Comes Home
In past years the day has opened with a symbolic Pushpak Viman arrival of Ram, Sita and Lakshman. At dusk, lakhs of diyas are lit and the Saryu aarti begins.
7 Nov Night · Drones & Lasers
Once the lamps are lit, the sky takes over: drone formations, laser and 3D projections and green fireworks over the river.
8 Nov · Diwali in Ram's City
Temples are decorated and the crowds are huge. Go for darshan early in the morning and keep the rest of the day easy.
Going for Deepotsav? Read This First
Deepotsav is breathtaking, and it’s also one of the most crowded days of the year in Ayodhya. These six things make all the difference.
Book Your Stay Now
Rooms near the ghats fill up weeks ahead. If they're gone, stay a little further out and plan how you'll get in on the day.
Reach by Afternoon
Roads near Ram Path and the ghats are usually closed to vehicles on Deepotsav day. Expect to walk the last stretch and be in place well before sunset.
Skip Darshan on the 7th Evening
Roads around the temple close and crowds peak. Do your Ram Mandir darshan early on the 6th, or after Diwali.
With Parents or Kids? Stay Near the Edge
The front rows stay packed for hours. Pick a spot at the edge of the crowd with an easy way out, and carry water and a light snack.
Travel Light
Phone, ID, water and a light shawl for the November evening are enough. Visiting Ram Mandir too? Phones and bags go in the cloakroom there.
Stay for the Drone Show
Many people leave right after the diyas. Wait for the drones and lasers, then let the crowd thin out before heading back.
Deepotsav & Festival Tour Packages 2026
Want us to handle the stay, the car and the timings? These short trips are built around the festival dates, so you only have to enjoy them.
2 Days / 1 Night
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2 Days Tour
Be at the Saryu for the diyas and drone show on 7 November, then an early, calm darshan the next morning before you head home.
Price:On request
2 Days / 1 Night
Kartik Purnima Parikrama 2 Days Tour
Take a holy dip in the Saryu on Kartik Purnima, 24 November 2026, as the parikrama season comes to a close.
Price:On request
2 Days / 1 Night
Ram Navami Ayodhya 2 Days Tour
Celebrate Ram Navami in Lord Ram’s birthplace on 15 April 2027. It’s one of the busiest days, so plan ahead.
Price:On request
Ayodhya Festival Calendar 2026–27
After Deepotsav, the month of Kartik keeps Ayodhya busy with parikramas and holy dips. Here’s what’s coming, with the dates to plan around.
Deepotsav · 7 Nov 2026
Lakhs of diyas light up Ram Ki Paidi on the eve of Diwali. If you see one festival here, make it this one.
Diwali · 8 Nov 2026
Diwali night in Ram’s own city: decorated temples, lit homes and very big crowds. Plan your darshan for early morning.
14 Kosi Parikrama · 18 Nov 2026
On Akshaya Navami, lakhs of devotees walk the 14-kos path of about 40 km around Ayodhya. Start times follow the tithi, so check a day before.
Panchkosi Parikrama · 20 Nov 2026
On Devuthani Ekadashi, devotees walk the shorter 5-kos circuit of about 15 km around the old city. Easier on the legs, still very crowded.
Kartik Purnima · 24 Nov 2026
The Kartik mela ends with a holy dip in the Saryu on the full moon. The ghats are busy from before sunrise.
Vivah Panchami · 14 Dec 2026
Ayodhya celebrates the wedding of Ram and Sita with special ceremonies in temples, processions and bhajans.
Ram Navami · 15 Apr 2027
Ram’s birthday in his birthplace, and one of the busiest days of the year. Book your stay well in advance.
Sawan Jhula Mela · Jul–Aug
Through the month of Sawan, temple deities sit on decorated swings, with bhajans in the evenings. Green, quieter and lovely.
Festival dates follow the Hindu calendar. Last checked: 26 October 2026.
Deepotsav & Festival Questions, Answered
The things families ask us most before a festival trip to Ayodhya.
When is Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026?
The main Deepotsav event is on Saturday, 7 November 2026, the day before Diwali. Programmes run from 6 to 8 November, and Diwali itself is on 8 November.
Do I need a ticket or pass to watch Deepotsav?
No ticket is needed to watch from the public riverfront. The core lighting zone at Ram Ki Paidi is usually reserved for volunteers, officials and pass holders, so follow the district administration’s advisories for the latest entry rules.
How many diyas will be lit at Deepotsav 2026?
The target is around 30 lakh diyas across 56 ghats. The current record, set in 2025, is 26,17,215 diyas.
Where is the best place to watch Deepotsav?
Ram Ki Paidi on the Saryu is the centre of the celebrations. Reach by afternoon, pick a spot in the public riverfront area with an easy way out, and stay on for the drone show.
Can I do Ram Mandir darshan during Deepotsav?
Yes, but avoid the evening of 7 November, when roads near the temple close and crowds peak. Go early on 6 November or after Diwali. Darshan is free for everyone.
When should I book a hotel for Deepotsav?
As soon as possible. Rooms near the ghats fill up weeks in advance. If they’re full, stay a little further out and plan your ride in, keeping in mind that vehicles are restricted near the ghats on the main day.
When are the 14 Kosi and Panchkosi parikramas in 2026?
The 14 Kosi Parikrama is on Akshaya Navami, 18 November 2026, and the Panchkosi Parikrama on Devuthani Ekadashi, 20 November. The Kartik Purnima holy dip in the Saryu follows on 24 November.
Is Deepotsav comfortable for elderly parents?
It can be, with planning. Crowds are heavy and there’s a lot of walking, so stay near the edge of the crowd, carry water, and keep darshan for a quieter morning. Our senior-friendly plans build in rest and shorter walks.
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