Ayodhya (UP), Nov 8 (PTI) Under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav has evolved over the past decade into a platform for showcasing India’s cultural heritage to the world, the UP government said in a statement on Sunday. The 10th edition brought together Ramayan traditions and local customs in a celebration of devotion, light and culture.
The chief minister has placed Ram Katha and Ayodhya’s local identity at the heart of the event, reflecting not only the glow of lamps but also the dedication of artists, the presence of saints, and the interest of foreign visitors, the statement said.
The illumination of Ram Ki Paidi, Saryu Aarti, episodes from the Ram Katha and stage performances together broaden Ayodhya’s identity.
Visitors arriving here experience not only religious rituals but also a tradition that artists, storytellers and devotees have kept alive for generations. This feature of the event connects cultural memories with contemporary aspirations, it said.
During Deepotsav, Adityanath welcomed the embodiment of Prabhu Shri Ram and pulled the Ram Rath. A symbolic coronation ceremony was held at Ram Katha Park in the presence of Vice President CP Radhakrishnan.
These moments transformed the memory of Ram’s arrival in Ayodhya into a collective celebration. These faith-rooted scenes present tradition to the younger generation as a living experience, the statement said.
The participation of foreign artists has provided a concrete foundation for giving Deepotsav a global identity. Ramleelas from Sri Lanka, Laos and South Africa demonstrate how Ram Katha has developed its own cultural expressions across different societies. Despite differences in language, music, costumes, and performance styles, the narrative’s essence brings audiences together.
The platform, developed under Adityanth’s leadership, offers an opportunity to understand India’s cultural influence, it said.
When artists from other countries present Ram Katha in their own styles, a dialogue emerges around shared cultural memories between India and those countries. Ayodhya becomes the centre of this dialogue.
Indian audiences watch foreign performances, while foreign artists experience Indian settings associated with Ram Katha. This exchange enhances possibilities of mutual respect and cultural closeness, the government said in the statement.
The presence of folk art forms from Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Bengal on the same platform also expresses India’s diversity. When artistic traditions from different regions find a place in a single event, audiences get to witness the broad spectrum of Indian culture.
The confluence of national and international performances at Deepotsav reinforces the idea that cultural confidence is enriched not only by preserving one’s identity, but also by welcoming other forms of expression, the statement said.
This year, the 151-year-old Ramleela of Sahabganj received a platform at Deepotsav for the first time, making it particularly significant. In line with the chief minister’s expectations, officials reviewed local Ramleelas before selecting it.
Ashutosh Dwivedi, advisor to Ayodhya International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute, described it as Ayodhya’s oldest Ramleela.
According to Manoj Jaiswal, district president of Central Ramleela Committee, this is the 151st year of its staging. This initiative is an example of giving wider recognition to local cultural heritage, providing opportunities to local artists alongside foreign performers, further clarifying the event’s cultural vision, he said.
Artists who have been staging the Ram Katha for generations are custodians of their tradition. Including them on a major platform recognises their work and familiarises audiences with Ayodhya’s artistic heritage. Such participation can also inspire young artists to connect with the tradition.
This strengthens the local community’s participation in the journey toward global recognition. Deepotsav’s international reach is reflected not only in artists’ participation but also in the involvement of foreign visitors.
Paul and Shelby, who arrived from Chicago, participated in Saryu Aarti and lit diyas with locals at Ram Ki Paidi. For both of them, the Ayodhya they had heard about became a direct cultural experience.
The presence of visitors from Argentina and St Petersburg in Russia also highlights the international curiosity surrounding the city of Lord Ram, the statement said.
For some, the attraction lies in understanding Ram Katha, while others seek a spiritual experience. By joining the celebrations alongside local people, visitors can become familiar with the social and community aspects of Indian culture. In this way, Deepotsav becomes a medium not only to see Ayodhya, but also to experience it.
Honouring saints is also part of this cultural continuity. On the occasion of Deepotsav, the chief minister presented sweets and gifts to the saints.
The saints said the chief minister’s efforts had brought recognition to Ayodhya across the country and abroad. They appreciated Adityanath for safeguarding religion and culture.
Along with this cultural appeal, it also creates more opportunities for local artists, handicraft artisans, and tourism services. Local participation is important to turn these opportunities into sustainable livelihoods.
The broader significance of expanding Deepotsav under the chief minister’s leadership lies in linking heritage preservation with new opportunities.
The cultural light emanating from the city of Lord Ram offers recognition to local talent, continuity to traditions and a meaningful opportunity for the world to connect with India, the statement added. PTI NAV ASD
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