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Diwali is to Ayodhya what Durga Pujo is to Kolkata. It’s the time when the city lights up like a heartbeat and breaks into the joyous celebration of the victory of good over evil.

Legend has it that this is where Lord Ram returned after 14 years of exile, and to welcome him home, the people of Ayodhya lit the entire city with oil lamps. That’s the story that comes alive every year. Today, it’s called the Deepotsav, and it’s one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in India. Millions of diyas are placed along the ghats of the Saryu River, cultural performances fill the evenings, and the city turns into one giant celebration of light and faith.

Diwali in Ayodhya

Every year, just before the festival, the city comes to life. Streets are freshly painted, shopfronts decked with marigolds, and people talk about how many diyas will be lit this time – a number that keeps breaking records. Diwali in Ayodhya isn’t just another city celebrating the festival of lights. Ayodhya is where Diwali actually began.

Preparations That Turn the City into a Canvas

A few days before Diwali, Ayodhya starts buzzing. And what we mean is buzzing like a toddler on caffeine overdose. The narrow lanes are strung with colorful lights and banners depicting scenes from the Ramayana, which are literally everywhere. The Saryu ghats become the common ground for scores of volunteers, students, and local groups arranging the thousands of diyas that will later light up the riverbanks. A photographer’s paradise! 

Visit a week in advance and watch the prep in real time. You’ll see artisans making earthen lamps, intricate rangolis being drawn, and vendors selling flowers, candles, and miniature idols of Lord Ram and Sita. The air smells amazing- of incense, sweets, and ghee. Every person seems to have a role to play in getting the city ready for its biggest night. By the eve of Diwali, it’s time to look your festive best and hit the streets to see a true carnival of beauty.

Also Read: Diwali Celebration In Golden Temple

The Magic of the Deepotsav

As the sun starts to set, thousands of people gather along the ghats, waiting for that exact moment when the first diya (oil lamp) is lit. And then, boom! It’s like the whole city explodes into light.

The lamps are lined up in geometric patterns, shapes, and even designs that tell stories from the Ramayana. Watch kids running around with phulkharis, listen to bhajans by priests, hear the sound of bells, the hum of chants, and people cheering softly as the light spreads. What shakes you to the core is the feeling of oneness that you feel with the throng of people around you. It’s shanti – spiritual, cinematic, and completely unforgettable.

In recent years, Deepavali in Ayodhya has even entered the Guinness World Records for lighting over 25 lakh diyas at once. But it’s not the number-crunching that makes an impact. It is the connection to the crowds, a bridge to ancient times, that makes it a fab experience.

Getting a car on rent is a convenient way to get around the city and enjoy the visual feast to the fullest. Opt for a well-reviewed and dependable car rental service like Revv to enjoy the best deals, customized plans, and a large variety of vehicles to choose from. 

Faith, Culture, and Celebration Come Together

Diwali in Ayodhya is a cultural festival. The famous Ram Leela cannot be missed. Local and international artists reenact scenes from the Ramayana in open-air stages, using music, dance, and dramatic narration. It’s captivating to say the least.

During the day, the Diwali celebration in Ayodhya sees processions of enthusiastic peeps dressed as Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman ride on elaborately decorated floats, reenacting the moment of Ram’s return to Ayodhya. Sounds of dhols, bhajans, and chants fill the air. And there’s more. Fireworks, drone shows, and light displays are a more modern twist to a traditional celebration. 

The Soul of Ayodhya: Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi

One of the most sacred experiences during Deepavali in Ayodhya is the grand aarti at Ram Ki Paidi. As dusk turns to night, priests line up along the river with large brass lamps, moving them in rhythmic unison to the sound of conch shells and bhajans. The firelight reflects off the water, and the crowd joins in with chants of “Jai Shri Ram.”

Feel one with the crowd in a way that goes beyond religion. It’s a moment of faith, devotion, and gratitude – a collective celebration of light over darkness. Many visitors say this aarti alone makes the trip worth it.

When visiting solo or in a group, getting a car on rent can actually be smarter (and cheaper) than booking multiple cabs or signing up for a rigid tour package. Explore temples and ghats in a clean and well-maintained car, as having your own wheels gives you the freedom to move at your own pace, stop where you want, and soak in the experience. 

Practical Tips for Visiting Ayodhya During Diwali

If you plan to visit Ayodhya during Diwali, there’s much to plan. The city gets incredibly crowded, so book your accommodation well in advance. Pro tip: Staying near the Ram Mandir or Saryu ghats makes it easier to reach the main venues on foot, as many roads are closed to vehicles during the festivities.

Wear comfy shoes and bring a small torch, some water, and a power bank for your phone. It’s also smart to reach a couple of days as the build-up to the main event is just as impressive as the event itself. The rehearsals, the decorations, and the markets filling up with festival energy.

And don’t count calories on those days. There’s something heavenly about chomping on piping hot samosas, jalebis, and chaat under the glow of diyas.

When the city catches its breath

As the night wears on, the diyas start to flicker out one by one. The crowds thin a little, but the sound of devotional songs continues in the distance. Families sit quietly by the river, some praying, others just watching the reflections of the remaining lamps. The city feels softer, calmer, almost reflective.

Why You Should Experience It Once in Your Lifetime

Diwali in Ayodhya isn’t just another travel experience. You see faith not just in temples, but in people’s faces. You feel history not in museums, but in the glow of every diya. And that’s what makes it so surreal.

For many, it’s a spiritual journey. For others, it’s an unforgettable glimpse into how ethereal and magical a city can look when lit up with the lights of thousands of diyas, candles, and fairy lights. 

Either way, if you are a sucker for new experiences, Deepavali in Ayodhya cannot not be on your bucket list. When you finally walk away from the ghats, your clothes might carry the faint scent of oil and smoke, your camera roll full of golden light, and your heart a little warmer. Because here, in the birthplace of Lord Ram, Diwali isn’t just celebrated — it’s lived.