Shillong: Ayodhya is hitting capacity. Tourists are flooding the city for the 10th Deepotsav, leaving hotels and homestays completely sold out. Visitors have claimed every room at the Ramprastha Hotel near Naya Ghat from November 4 to 8. Awadh Homestay on Station Road reports similar numbers, with full occupancy locked in from November 2 to 10.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered the tourism department and the Ayodhya Development Authority to finish preparations for transport and lodging. The city wants a smooth experience for the incoming crowds. Lakshmikant Pandey, manager at Ramprastha Hotel, confirmed the high demand. He noted, "Tourists are excited about Deepotsav and have appreciated the arrangements being made in the city."
Pilgrims are flocking to see the Ram Mandir and the glowing Saryu Ghats. Tourist guide OP Saini said better roads, parking, and lighting have made travel easier than in previous years. Guides are now stationed to brief visitors on the Ram Janmabhoomi and other religious sites.
The festival is a windfall for local shops. Vendors like Rajkumar are selling more idols of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman, alongside a heavy flow of earthen lamps. This spike in business marks the event as a financial backbone for the area. With the 10th anniversary of the event approaching, Ayodhya is cementing its status as a major destination on the national map.
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