Ayodhya witnessed a truly spectacular event on Sunday, marking chhoti Diwali with a display that has earned it two coveted Guinness World Records. The city was ablaze with the light of over 2.6 million earthen diyas, creating the largest-ever illumination of its kind. Adding to the historic occasion, 2,128 individuals came together to perform a ‘aarti’ simultaneously, a feat that also secured a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The official announcement of these remarkable achievements was made by representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records, who meticulously verified the diya count using drone technology. The certificates were subsequently presented to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath by state Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat.
This breathtaking display of 26,17,215 lit diyas was a collaborative effort by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism, the Ayodhya administration, and Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University. The event also featured a vibrant procession with 22 tableaux, showcasing the epic journey of Lord Ram through the seven chapters of the Ramayana. Hundreds of devotees lined the streets, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” as they witnessed the cultural spectacle.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the festivities, performing aarti at the Saryu river. He shared his spiritual experience on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his prayers for peace, prosperity, and well-being for all.