Diwali means festival of lights. But if the light of that light has the opportunity to touch the soil of Ramrajya and witness it, then the story is different. Seeing the glimpses of Dipotsav on the banks of Saryu River in Ayodhya brings tears to the eyes. Dipotsav begins to commemorate the day when Ramachandra, Sita and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Like every year, this year too, Ayodhya is being decorated with a wonderful shower of light. In 2026, this mega Dipotsav organized by the state government entered its tenth year. The main festival will run from November 5 to 8. Millions of earthen lamps will be lit on the banks of the river Sandheya on November 7. The next day is November 8, the main Diwali. And to see this fairy tale of light with your own eyes, you have to set foot in Ayodhya.
Saryu arrow will float on Dipot festival
The real attraction of Ayodhya Dipotsav is Ram Ki Paidi. A miraculous atmosphere is created in the evening at the ghats along the Saryu river. The entire chest of the river shines with the light of the lamps burning in a row. Evening can be seen at the river ghat with laser show. There are drone shows and various cultural events. Ayodhya breaks its own record every year. 2026 doesn't seem to be an exception.
Ram Janmabhoomi Darshan
A trip to Ayodhya is incomplete without a visit to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Devotees flock here throughout the year since Ramlala's birth in January 2024. The vol here changes on festival days. Hanuman Garhi stands on the top of a high hill near the Ram temple. According to popular belief, Lord Hanuman himself protected this ancient city. The entire city can be seen from the temple. But on festival days, Ram temple and Hanuman gari are crowded. So it is wise to go out with time in hand.
Other places of interest in the city
A lot of history is hidden in the alleys of Ayodhya. The story of the golden palace given by Rani Kaikeyi is connected with Kanak Bhavan. The decoration of this temple of Rama and Sita is worth seeing. It is a great place to visit Tagore in a calm mind avoiding the crowds. Next to it is Dasaratha Mahal, the ancient residence of King Dasaratha. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the city. On the other hand, not only the history of Ramayana, but also the Nawabi period can be visited from Golap Bari. This beautiful garden and mausoleum is located in Faizabad next to Ayodhya. Built by Shuja-ud-Daula, the third Nawab of Awadh, this place will fill the hearts of architecture lovers.
How to reach?
Direct flight services are now operational to Ayodhya. The main city can be reached directly by landing at the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in the city. Besides, it is possible to reach Ayodhya in two and a half to three hours by car from Lucknow airport. If you want to come by train, you have to get down at Ayodhya Dham Junction or Ayodhya Cantonment Station. By road, buses are easily available from Lucknow, Varanasi or Prayagraj. But keep the traffic in mind before driving on the road during festival days.