Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026: The grand celebration of Deepotsav 2026 has given a major boost to Ayodhya’s tourism industry, with local homestay operators witnessing a significant rise in bookings and earnings. Around 15 lakh tourists visited the holy city between November 1 and 7, while nearly 10 lakh devotees offered prayers to Ram Lalla. The massive tourist turnout has created new business and employment opportunities for local families, making homestays an increasingly important part of Ayodhya’s growing tourism economy. Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026
This year’s Deepotsav attracted visitors from across India and abroad, who came to witness Ayodhya illuminated with 36 lakh diyas and a spectacular display featuring 2,100 drones. The celebrations not only strengthened the city’s religious tourism appeal but also generated substantial business for hotels, restaurants and homestay operators. According to official figures, Ayodhya welcomed around 15 lakh tourists during the seven-day period, compared to more than eight lakh visitors during the corresponding period last year. The number of devotees visiting Ram Lalla also doubled, rising from approximately five lakh last year to nearly 10 lakh this year.
Ayodhya Homestays Witness Surge in Bookings and Income
The growing number of tourists has particularly benefited homestays operated by local families. Many visitors preferred staying in family-run accommodation rather than conventional hotels, attracted by affordable room rates, home-cooked meals and the opportunity to experience Ayodhya’s local culture and hospitality. Vasudev Maurya, operator of Shri Ramdoot Niwas Homestay, said his business recorded growth of approximately 120–130% compared to normal days during Deepotsav. All rooms remained occupied throughout the festival, with several tourists, including visitors from Maharashtra, extending their stays.
He said guests particularly appreciated freshly prepared food, the family-like atmosphere and the hospitality offered by local residents. The homestay also provided information about popular religious and tourist destinations, including Shri Ram Temple, Hanumangarhi, Kanak Bhawan, Guptar Ghat and Saryu Aarti. With room tariffs ranging between ₹1,000 and ₹1,200 per day, homestays offered an affordable accommodation option for families and budget-conscious travellers.
Avinash Kusum, operator of Kusum Homestay, also reported full occupancy during Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026. He said families travelling with children preferred home-cooked meals over outside food. Facilities such as light meals for young children and hot water further improved the guest experience. Similarly, Praveen Mishra, operator of Shri Shivay Homestay, said tourist demand remained exceptionally high, with visitors continuing to arrive even after all rooms had been booked. Guests from Gujarat and other states appreciated the hospitality and comfortable family environment. He added that the increased business had significantly improved his family’s income.
Homestay Business Creates Opportunities for Women and Local Youth
The growth of Ayodhya‘s homestay industry is also creating opportunities for women to become financially independent and encouraging young people to build careers in their hometown. Poonam Sonkar, operator of Poonam Homestay, said around 80% of her rooms remained booked during Deepotsav, with several tourists extending their stays. She welcomed visitors with Ayodhya’s famous Khurchan Peda.
For her family in Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 the biggest achievement has been her son’s decision to stay in Ayodhya and join the family business despite receiving a job offer from a major city in Rajasthan. The homestay has also created employment for two additional people. Rajkumari Tiwari, who operates The Rama Junction (B&B), said the homestay became an important source of income for her family after her husband’s retirement from the Army. All rooms remained occupied during Deepotsav, attracting tourists from states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu. She said the business has provided her husband with an opportunity to remain professionally active after retirement while contributing to the family’s financial stability.
Tourism Growth Strengthening Local Livelihoods: Jaiveer Singh
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said Deepotsav is not just a celebration of faith and culture but is also generating employment and livelihood opportunities for local residents. He said the increasing preference for homestays reflects how the economic benefits of tourism are reaching ordinary families in Ayodhya. By welcoming tourists into their homes, local residents are earning additional income while creating employment opportunities for others. Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026
Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat, said homestays are rapidly emerging as an important part of Ayodhya’s tourism ecosystem. He highlighted that homestays allow visitors to experience local culture, traditional food and the lifestyle of the city more closely. At the same time, they provide local families with opportunities to increase their earnings and generate employment through tourism-related activities.
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026
The growing popularity of homestays during Deepotsav 2026 reflects the wider economic impact of religious tourism in Ayodhya. Beyond attracting millions of devotees, the festival is helping local families, women and young entrepreneurs build sustainable sources of income within their own city. With tourism demand continuing to create opportunities for local businesses, homestays are becoming an important contributor to Ayodhya’s emerging tourism economy.
