
Ayodhya Sets World Records By Lighting Over 25 Lakh Diyas
AYODHYA (ANI) – The Deepotsav 2024 celebrations in Ayodhya set two Guinness World Records on October 30, marking an extraordinary chapter in the city’s history. In collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism, the Ayodhya district administration illuminated the Saryu River with over 2.5 million diyas, officially the largest display of oil lamps. Additionally, a record was made for the most people performing ‘diya’ rotation simultaneously.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accepted the certificates from Guinness World Records, underscoring Ayodhya’s cultural and spiritual significance. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya attended, joining thousands who lit diyas along the Saryu banks, further accentuated by light and laser shows. A sound and light show at Saryu Ghat narrated the Ram Leela, while a drone display and fireworks added grandeur.
This year’s Deepotsav marks the first since the installation of the Ram Lala deity at the Ayodhya temple, featuring 18 tableaux created by the Information and Tourism Departments to depict key moments from Lord Ram’s life. The five-day festival commemorates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile, drawing millions of devotees and tourists alike.
Leading the celebration, CM Yogi Adityanath symbolically pulled a chariot carrying artists portraying Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, a nod to Ram’s return to Ayodhya. He emphasized the transformation Ayodhya and Kashi have undergone, representing the resurgence of Sanatan Dharma. “Ayodhya and Kashi shine as symbols of Sanatan Dharma’s resurgence,” he said, reiterating his commitment to development and unity. He recalled an early Deepotsav celebration where crowds chanted, urging him to build the temple, and assured that the diyas represent the faith of Sanatan Dharma and the blessings of Lord Ram.
The celebrations were marked by the release of a new tourism app and a book by Ayodhya’s Mayor, adding to the city’s evolving appeal. Reflecting on the event, Nishchal Barot from Guinness World Records compared the feat to the Olympics in terms of complexity. Barot noted the extraordinary achievement of lighting over 2.5 million lamps in just 20 to 25 minutes, exceeding their own previous record. The synchronized lighting by 32,000 individuals illustrated a remarkable display of unity and dedication.
During their stay in Ayodhya, the Guinness World Records team experienced the local culture, cuisine, and an overwhelming devotion among visitors. Barot shared that the visit was notable for its unprecedented display of unity. The synchronized lighting, he said, “is no small feat,” capturing the collaborative spirit of the city’s residents.