Ayodhya: For the first time, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav featured a nearly hour-long presentation combining artificial intelligence, drone technology and artistic performances to narrate the Valmiki Ramayan, taking spectators through all seven ‘kands’ of the epic, from Lord Ram’s birth to his return to Ayodhya.The presentation, held during the 10th edition of Deepotsav on Saturday, was witnessed by Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Governor Anandiben Patel, chief minister Yogi Adityanath, deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and other dignitaries.The dignitaries appeared mesmerised by the performance, with CM Yogi watching several sequences with folded hands as scenes from the Ramayana unfolded through a combination of technology and artistic storytelling.The performance brought together AI-generated visuals, synchronised drones and artistic sequences to depict significant episodes from Lord Ram’s life.Spectators watched the unfolding sequences with enthusiasm, capturing the performance on their smartphones. The display added a new dimension to the annual celebrations, which have traditionally centred on the lighting of lakhs of earthen lamps along Saryu.The aerial display featured over 5,100 synchronised drones forming illuminated images of characters and episodes from the Ramayana. The presentation also incorporated laser effects, projection mapping, music and narration, with the Saryu riverfront providing a backdrop.“Watching the combination of aerial formations and digital imagery was a spectacular experience. I captured the entire performance in several short video clips,” said Kritika Singh, a newlywed who had travelled from Lucknow.Local priest Pandit Ramlakhan Goswami said, “The presentation was among the major attractions of this year’s Deepotsav, blending traditional religious storytelling with contemporary visual technology.”The performance culminated with Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya, symbolising the homecoming celebrated during Deepotsav. As the concluding sequence unfolded, the atmosphere resonated with chants of ‘Jai Jai Siya Ram’ and ‘Bol Ramchandra Ki Jai’, bringing the presentation to a devotional close.
