Light a virtual diya, get soil from Ayodhya, holy water from Saryu: New Deepotsav initiative this year

“Deepotsav has become a global celebration of faith. Through these online packages, the event would become more inclusive,” said Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh.

“The initiative would blend technology with tradition… Through ‘Ek Diya Ram Ke Naam’, devotees everywhere can feel spiritually connected to Ayodhya and offer prayers to Lord Ram,” he added.

Officials said the three packages — Ram Jyoti, Sita Jyoti, and Lakshman Jyoti — will be facilitated by the Shri Ayodhya Ji Tirth Vikas Parishad and would be made available through the Divya Ayodhya app.

Devotees who opt for these packages will have the opportunity to light a virtual diya on the day of Deepotsav, which will be celebrated this year on October 19. Additionally, officials noted that devotional items — including soil from Ayodhya and water from the Saryu River — will be delivered to participants’ registered addresses, depending on the package selected.

Officials said the online packages are designed to make participation in Deepotsav more accessible and inclusive, especially for those unable to travel to Ayodhya. “It is an attempt to combine technology with tradition to extend the reach of cultural and religious events,” explained an official.

Officials also said that the Divya Ayodhya app, available across multiple platforms, will serve as a one-stop destination for temple information, devotional services, travel bookings, and cultural guides.

This year, the UP government has set a target of lighting 26 lakh diyas along the ghats of the Saryu River, aiming to set a new record. Additionally, a collective Maha Aarti will be performed with the participation of 2,100 devotees on the eve of Diwali.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to inaugurate the event by lighting the first diya, after which diyas will be illuminated simultaneously across various ghats by volunteers.

The packages

• The Ram Jyoti package, priced at Rs 2,100, includes a specially curated set of devotional items such as roli, holy water from the Saryu River, soil from Ayodhya, ramdana, mishri, raksha sutra, Hanuman Garhi laddoos, and mini Padukas. These items will be dispatched directly to registered devotees across India and abroad, along with access to a virtual tour.
• The Sita Jyoti package, priced at Rs 1,100, and the Lakshman Jyoti package, priced at Rs Rs 501, offer devotional combinations tailored to different budget ranges.
• The Tourism Department is also offering a one-day Deepotsav tour package, designed to give pilgrims and tourists an immersive experience from the ghats of Ayodhya. As part of this, transport will be arranged via road for devotees from Lucknow to Ayodhya.
• Devotees can select a package by visiting: http://www.divyaayodhya.com/bookdiyaprashad