Ayodhya's Diwali marks Rama's return from exile, and the state-organised Deepotsav on Diwali eve lights Ram ki Paidi and dozens of ghats along the Saryu with lamps counted in the hundreds of thousands. The count has set Guinness World Records in successive years: over 25 lakh diyas in 2024, and more than 26 lakh across Ram ki Paidi and 56 ghats in 2025, with thousands performing aarti together.
Alongside the lamps there are tableaux of scenes from the Ramayana, a procession, and laser and fireworks displays over the river. It is a civic spectacle as much as an observance, and it is the busiest night Ayodhya has.
The lighting happens at dusk, and the riverfront fills hours earlier. Viewing points and approach roads are crowded and partly closed to traffic, so arrive early, stay put, and leave late rather than with the crowd.
