Ram’s Padri Lights Up as Cultural Performances Thrill Crowds

The historic Ram’s Padri in Ayodhya became the nucleus of celebration during Deeptotsav‑2026, where devotion and artistic brilliance converged under the auspices of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The festival attracted a vibrant mix of artists, worshippers, and volunteers who together crafted an unforgettable experience.

A series of culturally rich presentations portrayed Lord Rama’s legendary deeds, with performers drawing from diverse Indian traditions. Kerala’s folk expert Ishvaratrun highlighted that the Yogi administration’s consistent emphasis on Deeptotsav is granting folk artists renewed relevance and a national audience.

Thousands gathered beneath a sky dotted with multicoloured lanterns and sophisticated light installations, while modern sound systems amplified the traditional music. Families documented the spectacle with handheld cameras, and volunteers took charge of crowd management, security and assistance.

Vivek, travelling from Ambedkar Nagar, expressed admiration for the growing splendor of the event, noting the meticulous city‑wide decorations and the immersive religious ambiance that made his visit especially memorable.

The festival marked a historic first: the legendary Sahibganj Ram Leela, a 151‑year‑old tradition, was staged grandly at the Shri Ram‑Janki Temple with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presiding. Actors Laki Gupta (Rama), Gaurav Gupta (Lakshmana), Suraj Sahu (Parashurama) and Rishi Gaut (Vishwamitra) described performing before the chief minister as a distinguished honor that underscores the government’s dedication to preserving Ayodhya’s cultural legacy.