Tableaux depicting all seven Kandas bring the story of Lord Shri Ram to life, drawing huge crowds of devotees to Rampath
Women performers beat drums carried on their shoulders, while traditional percussion, stunts and folk dances enthral spectators
21 tableaux showcase the Ramayana alongside the development journey of the Yogi government
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh says Deepotsav breaks its own records every year
Ayodhya, November 2026 : The Ramayana came alive on Rampath as Ayodhya witnessed a spectacular blend of devotion, culture and tradition during the grand procession organised as part of the tenth Deepotsav celebrations.
Amid the resounding beats of drums and traditional percussion instruments, energetic performances by folk artistes and chants of 'Jai Shri Ram', the tableaux moving along the road created the impression that the Treta Yuga had descended upon Ayodhya.
The procession featured divine representations of Lord Shri Ram, Lakshman and Mata Sita, along with powerful depictions of Bajrangbali holding his mace. Live presentations of various episodes from the Ramayana left devotees deeply moved.
Women performers carrying drums on their shoulders added to the excitement by playing rhythmic beats. The thunderous sounds of nagadas and traditional instruments, combined with impressive stunts and folk dances from different states, transformed Rampath into a grand cultural celebration.
The faces of spectators reflected joy and devotion, while the air resonated with chants of Lord Ram. The tenth Deepotsav procession brought together faith, culture and tradition, adding another dimension to Ayodhya's grandeur.
Tourism Minister flags off procession covering three kilometres
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh flagged off the procession from Saket Mahavidyalaya. After covering a distance of approximately three kilometres, it reached Ram Katha Park.
This year, the procession featured 21 grand tableaux. Of these, 14 showcased the achievements of the Yogi government, while seven depicted the seven Kandas, or sections, of the Ramayana.
The tableaux presented episodes ranging from the birth and childhood activities of Lord Ram in the Bal Kanda to his departure for the forest in the Ayodhya Kanda. Scenes from his life in the forest were depicted in the Aranya Kanda, while the Kishkindha Kanda portrayed his meeting with Sugriva and Hanuman.
The Sundara Kanda showcased the valour of Bajrangbali, while the Lanka Kanda depicted the battle against Ravana. The concluding Uttar Kanda was also presented through a visual tableau.
Moving one after another, the tableaux offered spectators a glimpse of the entire epic journey of the Ramayana.
Government schemes and development initiatives feature in tableaux
The procession also highlighted the development initiatives and welfare schemes implemented by the state government.
Tableaux showcased the Jal Jeevan Mission, One District One Product (ODOP), agriculture and animal husbandry, the Ayushman cashless scheme, Clean and Green Uttar Pradesh, Viksit Bharat, Uttar Pradesh Police, Mission Shakti, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Aatmanirbhar Nari, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the Defence Industrial Corridor.
These presentations highlighted the state's development journey alongside its cultural and religious heritage.
Folk artistes from different states added to the cultural diversity of the procession through traditional dances and performances, making it a vibrant celebration of India's rich artistic traditions.
Deepotsav has become a global celebration: Jaiveer Singh
Impressed by the grandeur of the procession, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh described Deepotsav as an extraordinary, divine and magnificent celebration.
He said the main Deepotsav programme scheduled for the evening would also be organised on a grand scale. He added that there could be no greater occasion of pride for followers of Sanatan traditions.
"Every year, we break our own record set in the previous year, and this time too, we will establish a new benchmark," he said.
The minister observed that Deepotsav was no longer merely an event organised by Uttar Pradesh but had become a celebration recognised across the world.
He said the tableaux depicting all seven Kandas offered a glimpse of Ayodhya through the themes of Lord Ram, Sanatan traditions and India's cultural heritage.
Devotees appreciate live presentations of Ramayana episodes
Visitors who witnessed the procession praised the performances and the grand arrangements.
Sushil Kumar, who had come from Unnao, said Ayodhya had acquired a divine and magnificent appearance during Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's tenure. He said watching the Deepotsav celebrations and the procession had filled him with joy.
Ram Kumar, who travelled from Jaunpur, appreciated the Ramayana-themed tableaux and the performances by the artistes. Sushila from Balrampur said the live enactment of episodes from the Ramayana and the folk performances had captivated her.
Spectators and devotees seated along Rampath watched every moment of the procession with rapt attention. Many were visibly emotional as they witnessed the representations of Lord Shri Ram. While some had tears of devotion in their eyes, others stood with folded hands, immersed in prayers and chants of Ram's name.
Amid the resounding cries of 'Jai Shri Ram', the beats of drums and the enactment of episodes from the Ramayana, the entire Rampath was filled with an atmosphere of devotion and celebration.
It appeared as though the Ramayana was not merely being presented before the people of Ayodhya but was finding a place in the hearts of devotees across the city.
