*Deepotsav-2026*
*Ramleela of five countries to add color to Ayodhya’s 10th Deepotsav*
*Artists from South Africa to Thailand to adorn the city of Lord Ram*
*Cultural performances by 2,500 artists on 12 stages*
*International folk arts to add splendor to a decade of Deepotsav*
*Ayodhya to provide a new platform for the global expansion of Ramkatha*
*Ayodhya, October 31.
*Under the guidance of CM Yogi Adityanath, 10th Deepotsav in the city of Lord Ram will this time be immersed in international cultural colors. Artists from five countries will stage Ramleela in their respective traditions and styles, providing a global platform for the story of Lord Shri Ram.
Two teams from South Africa, along with artists from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Laos and Thailand, have been proposed. Preparations are also underway for artists from the Philippines, Thailand and Russia to participate. Around 2,500 artists from India and abroad will showcase their art on six small, four medium-sized and two large stages.
In addition, performances based on Ramcharitra and Ramkatha from Assam, Bengal, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Kerala will further expand Deepotsav’s cultural diversity.Preparations are underway to develop Deepotsav not merely as an event centered on lighting lamps and religious observances, but as a global cultural festival. Through the Ramleela styles of different countries, audiences will have the opportunity to see how the story of Lord Shri Ram is presented through different languages, costumes and folk traditions.
The participation of two teams from South Africa will be a special attraction. Artists from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Laos and Thailand will also stage Ramleela in keeping with their cultural heritage. The process for performances by artists from the Philippines, Thailand and Russia is also underway. Through these performances, audiences will get a glimpse of the art, music, dance and theatre of different countries together in Ayodhya.Culture Department plans to arrange six small, four medium-sized and two large stages.
Approximately 2,500 Indian and foreign artists will get an opportunity to showcase their talent on these stages. Five states will also participate in the event. Artists from Assam, Bengal, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala will present cultural performances related to Shri Ramcharitra and the story of Lord Shri Ram. Thus, Deepotsav will offer a unique confluence of international Ramleela and the folk traditions of different regions of the country.
Ashutosh Dwivedi, adviser and Officer on Special Duty at the Ayodhya International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute, stated that the participation of Indian and foreign artists would make Deepotsav even more attractive. “Ramleela performances from five countries and Ramkatha-based presentations from various states will provide the event with a platform for cultural diversity. This will also create opportunities for local artists and tourism-related businesses. Performances by foreign artists will further strengthen Ayodhya’s international identity,” he noted.
He added that the participation of approximately 2,500 artists would bring the vibrant expression of diverse cultures to life in the city of Lord Ram.Following the Pran Pratishtha at the Ram Temple, Ayodhya is emerging as a major center for cultural tourism alongside religious tourism. In this context, the initiative to give Deepotsav an international character will help showcase the global acceptance of Ramkatha.
Through Ramleela performances from different countries, the ideals, dignity, and philosophy of Lord Shri Ram’s life will be presented through diverse cultural expressions. Through Deepotsav, efforts are being made to give Ayodhya a wider identity on the world cultural map.
