States » NorthPosted at: Oct 24 2026 1:48PM


UP invites entries from across India to showcase Ayodhya through paintings, reels for Deepotsav 2026

Lucknow, Oct 24 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government has invited people from across the country to showcase Ayodhya's cultural heritage and transformation through watercolour paintings and short videos as part of its outreach for Deepotsav 2026.
Organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, the two competitions are open to participants of all age groups, with entries to be submitted by November 2.
While AI-generated paintings will not be accepted, reels relying excessively on AI-generated content will be disqualified, officials said.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the initiative aims to highlight Ayodhya's cultural identity and development through creative expression and digital storytelling.
The painting competition, titled “Celebrating Ayodhya Through Art”, invites original watercolour works inspired by the city's historic and religious landmarks, cultural traditions, development projects and Deepotsav celebrations.
“Our aim is to take Ayodhya’s cultural heritage and development journey to people through modern technology and creativity. I urge participants to bring their imagination and original thinking to this initiative and present their own picture of the city,” Singh said.
Entries must be the participants' original work, with previously published or copied paintings liable to rejection.
The second competition, “Ayodhya in a New Light”, invites original reels of 30 to 60 seconds showcasing the city's transformation, cultural heritage and the spirit of Deepotsav 2026.
Participants have been asked to use copyright-free music, visuals and other creative material. Entries containing misleading, offensive or unrelated content will not be considered for public display.
Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs Amrit Abhijat said the competitions would encourage people, particularly the younger generation, to connect with their cultural roots.
“These competitions will give the younger generation an opportunity to connect with its cultural roots. Participants from across the country can use their imagination and innovation to present Ayodhya’s traditions and Deepotsav to wider audiences,” he said.
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