Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026: Dates and Flights

Updated October 2026 · HappyFares

Deepotsav lights up the Saryu riverfront in the days before Diwali, and it draws large crowds. Flights and rooms fill up quickly in that window, so the earlier you plan, the better.

When is Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026?

A news report from 10 October 2026 says the 10th Deepotsav is scheduled from 5 to 7 November 2026, centred on Ram Ki Paidi and the Saryu riverfront. Another report from early September mentioned events through 8 November, and some sources list a single main lamp-lighting day (one gives 7 November, another 6 November) instead. That is why it is wise to treat the exact schedule as subject to the official announcement.

What is firm is the calendar around it. Dhanteras is on Friday 6 November, and Diwali is on Sunday 8 November 2026. Deepotsav is organised by the state government and the Ayodhya district administration, so their notices are the final word on timings, entry arrangements and any road closures.

Which airport serves Ayodhya?

Ayodhya is served by Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, which opened on 30 December 2023, a few weeks before the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony of 22 January 2024. It is close enough to the city to be a short road transfer, although the exact distance is quoted differently by different sources, so check a current map.

Airlines have operated flights here since it opened, and the list of cities and operators has changed over the years. For that reason, do not rely on an old timetable or a blog post. The safest approach is to search your date on a flight search page and see which airlines and routes are actually offered for the week you want.

Did you know that Ayodhya’s airport carries the name of Maharishi Valmiki, the sage traditionally credited with composing the Ramayana? It was renamed shortly before its inauguration.

What if there are no good flights to Ayodhya?

Festival days can leave direct flights sold out or expensive. Two other airports can work as a base:

• Lucknow: The capital of Uttar Pradesh has a large airport with flights from many Indian cities. From there you continue to Ayodhya by road or train. Allow for heavy traffic near the city on festival days.
• Gorakhpur: This is another airport in eastern Uttar Pradesh from which Ayodhya can be reached by road. Flights are more limited than at Lucknow.

The road time from either airport depends on traffic, which can be heavy during Deepotsav, so leave generous buffers. Do not schedule a tight connection or a same-evening onward flight after the event.

How should you plan the trip around Diwali week?

Deepotsav falls in the busiest travel stretch of the year. Dhanteras, Diwali and the days after fill trains and flights across India, since many people travel home.

• Book early. Fares usually climb as the dates approach, and the days around Diwali are among the busiest.
• Arrive a day early if you can, so that traffic or a delayed flight does not cost you the evening lamp-lighting.
• Keep return flexibility in mind. Crowds can slow your departure day as well, so avoid a tight connection on the way back.
• Pack light. Local movement near the ghats on event evenings can involve walking, and a small cabin bag is easier to manage.
• Carry ID. You need a valid government photo ID for domestic flights.

What should you expect on arrival?

Expect crowds, security checks and some road restrictions near the riverfront on the main evenings. Local authorities usually manage vehicle movement during large events, so your taxi or auto may have to stop some distance from the ghats and you will walk the rest. Wear comfortable footwear, keep your phone charged, and agree a meeting point with your group in case mobile networks are busy.

If you are visiting with elders or young children, plan the evening around an early arrival at your viewing spot and a calm exit afterwards, rather than staying until the last moment. Hotels close to the riverfront tend to be in demand during this period, so confirm your stay before you lock in a flight, and match your arrival time to the hotel check-in time.

Where do you find official updates?

The Uttar Pradesh government, the Ayodhya district administration and Uttar Pradesh tourism announce the final schedule, vehicle restrictions and viewing arrangements. Check those channels a few days before you go. For flight timings, use the airline’s own app or website, since schedules can be revised close to the date.

Common Questions

When is Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026?

Reports point to 5 to 7 November 2026, the days leading up to Diwali on Sunday 8 November. Confirm against the official announcement.

Is there an airport in Ayodhya?

Yes. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, which opened on 30 December 2023.

Which airlines fly to Ayodhya?

Several airlines have flown there since it opened, but routes and operators change. Search your dates to see what is offered now.

What are the alternatives to Ayodhya airport?

Lucknow and Gorakhpur are the usual alternatives, followed by a road transfer to Ayodhya.

Should I book early for Deepotsav?

Yes. This is part of the Diwali travel rush, so flights and stays tend to fill up and prices tend to rise closer to the date.

Is web check-in free?

Yes. Web check-in and airport check-in are free on every Indian airline.

Event dates, rules and fees change. Verify current specifics with the airline, DGCA, the airport or the Uttar Pradesh government before you travel.