Ayodhya has achieved a remarkable feat, setting a new Guinness World Record during its grand Deepotsav celebration. The city lit up with an astonishing 2,617,215 diyas, creating a breathtaking spectacle along the banks of the Saryu River. This monumental event, organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department in collaboration with the Ayodhya District Administration, also hosted the largest Saryu aarti, with 2,128 devotees participating.
The scale of this achievement was immense, involving over 30,000 dedicated volunteers from various universities, colleges, and departments who meticulously lit and arranged the lamps. Each diya was placed with precision to ensure accurate counting and verification by the Guinness World Records representatives.
Richard Stenning, an adjudicator for Guinness World Records, expressed his awe at the event, stating, “Today we have witnessed an amazing display. 2,617,215 oil lamps, it is officially a Guinness World Record. Every year, this is getting more and more. It is an honour to be here… It is a truly spectacular thing. It is incredible…” Nischal Barot, another official from Guinness World Records, echoed this sentiment, calling it a grand Deepotsav that will be remembered for years and confirming its status as the highest in the world.
Beyond the record-breaking diya lighting, Ayodhya’s Diwali celebrations included a captivating drone show in Ram Ki Paidi, featuring imagery of Lord Hanuman, Lord Shri Ram, Dhanush, and Ravana. A vibrant Ram Leela performance, complemented by a laser and light show, further enhanced the festive atmosphere. The ghats, illuminated by countless diyas and colorful lights, truly came alive, marking Deepotsav as a celebration of immense scale and spirit.