Ayodhya, the sacred city that has long been at the heart of Hindu devotion, is witnessing an unprecedented surge in enthusiasm as devotees prepare for Deepotsav 2025. The festival, which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, has historically drawn devotees from across India and abroad. However, this year, the fervor surrounding the festivities, particularly the darshan at the Ram Mandir, has reached extraordinary levels. According to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, all online slots for darshan at the Ram Darbar are fully booked until October 29, highlighting the immense popularity of the event and the growing devotion toward Lord Ram and the sacred temple.

The Trust, responsible for the administration and management of the Ram Mandir, has noted that this year’s online booking process has witnessed record-breaking participation. Thousands of devotees secured passes within hours of their availability going live on the official Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust website, reflecting a heightened sense of devotion and anticipation among pilgrims. The surge in online bookings has made it nearly impossible for devotees to secure a spot for darshan at the temple, prompting many to continuously check the portal or reach out to the Trust office and helpline for guidance on securing special or VIP passes.

Adding to the enthusiasm, the Trust has recently started a separate online pass booking system specifically for darshan of Ram Lalla, the infant deity housed within the temple sanctum. This initiative has only intensified the rush, as devotees now have the opportunity to participate in a more focused spiritual experience. Despite the additional booking system, the darshan slots for the Ram Darbar remain fully subscribed until October 29, demonstrating the overwhelming demand. For devotees unable to secure online slots, the Trust has clarified that the online booking facility will reopen at midnight on October 29, allowing a fresh round of registrations for subsequent darshan dates.

The unprecedented demand for darshan passes this year is further reflected in the high interest in VIP darshan slots. Many devotees are keen to experience a more personal or prioritized darshan, which has resulted in a consistent flow of inquiries to the Trust office. The Trust has maintained a structured system to accommodate this high demand. Both online and offline VIP passes are issued daily, ensuring that devotees seeking a premium experience can still participate in the festivities. On a typical day, approximately 300 online VIP passes and around 3,000 offline VIP passes are made available, allowing devotees to attend both morning and night aartis of Ram Lalla and Raja Ram Darbar. This structured system ensures that despite the overwhelming crowd, devotees can experience darshan in a relatively organized and manageable manner.

The excitement surrounding Deepotsav is not limited to the temple premises alone. Hotels and accommodations in Ayodhya are witnessing full occupancy well in advance of the festival. Local hoteliers report that rooms for October 18 and 19 are completely booked, with many establishments already operating at full capacity for the remainder of the month. Vishal Ganjoor, a prominent hotelier in the city, stated that inquiries for accommodations are received daily, but there is no vacancy available for the peak days of the festival. This surge in hotel bookings reflects the influx of devotees from various parts of India and abroad, many of whom travel specifically to witness the grandeur of Deepotsav and participate in the sacred rituals at the Ram Mandir.

The fervor surrounding Deepotsav is further underscored by the meticulous preparations carried out by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Trust has ensured that both the temple and its surroundings are prepared to accommodate the large number of devotees expected during the festival. Security arrangements, crowd management measures, and logistical planning are being coordinated to provide a smooth and safe experience for all pilgrims. Devotees can expect structured entry and exit procedures, with clearly marked pathways and designated areas for different categories of passes, ensuring that even in the midst of large crowds, darshan remains an organized and spiritually fulfilling experience.

The festival of Deepotsav is a celebration that transcends mere ritual. It is a spiritual convergence that brings together devotees, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts from all walks of life. The lighting of thousands of lamps throughout Ayodhya symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, an ethos central to the Ramayana and the life of Lord Ram. With the Ram Mandir now fully operational and serving as a focal point for devotion, the festival has gained even greater significance. Devotees see their visit as an opportunity not only for personal spiritual fulfillment but also as a chance to participate in a historic moment in the city’s cultural and religious life.

The online booking frenzy highlights how technology has become an integral part of modern religious observances. The Trust’s initiative to facilitate online passes ensures transparency and accessibility for devotees, reducing the need for physical queues and long waits. Nevertheless, the overwhelming response also points to the enduring appeal of Ayodhya as a spiritual destination and the deep-rooted devotion that devotees feel toward Lord Ram. The ability to secure a darshan pass online has now become a competitive process, with devotees planning weeks in advance to ensure their participation during peak festival days.

While the online and VIP booking system has helped streamline access to darshan, there remains a steady demand for offline passes as well. These passes are particularly important for local devotees and those who might face challenges with internet access or digital registration. The Trust continues to issue offline VIP passes in significant numbers each day, balancing the need for inclusivity with the practicalities of crowd management. Both morning and evening aartis provide devotees with multiple opportunities to engage in worship and spiritual reflection, making it possible for even large numbers of pilgrims to participate meaningfully in the festival’s core rituals.

In addition to spiritual and religious engagement, Deepotsav has a broader impact on Ayodhya’s economy. The surge in tourism and hotel bookings, coupled with increased footfall in local markets, contributes significantly to the local economy. Businesses ranging from hospitality and transport to food and handicrafts benefit from the influx of devotees, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between religious tourism and economic activity. This year’s record-breaking demand for darshan passes and hotel accommodations underscores the dual role of the festival as both a spiritual and economic phenomenon.

In conclusion, the Deepotsav 2025 celebrations in Ayodhya are shaping up to be an extraordinary event, marked by unprecedented enthusiasm for darshan at the Ram Mandir. With all online slots for the Ram Darbar fully booked until October 29 and separate passes for Ram Lalla darshan already in demand, devotees face a competitive yet spiritually rewarding process to secure their place. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s meticulous planning, structured VIP and offline pass systems, and efforts to ensure smooth darshan experiences highlight the growing importance of organized pilgrimage in modern times. Meanwhile, full occupancy of hotels and the city’s bustling preparations reflect the cultural and economic impact of the festival, making Deepotsav not only a spiritual celebration but also a moment of communal pride and shared devotion. As devotees from across the country and the world prepare to participate, Ayodhya stands ready to welcome them with devotion, organization, and the timeless promise of spiritual illumination.