Ayodhya set two Guinness World Records with 2.5 mn lit diyas and over 1000 people performing aarti together

Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya celebrated its eighth edition of Deepotsav on Wednesday (Oct 30) ahead of Diwali, with over 2.5 million diyas (earthen lamps) lit together in the holy city. 

The Deepotsav event was first-of-its kind that also set two Guinness World Records- the most people performing ‘aarti’ simultaneously and the largest display of oil lamps. It was also first such celebration since the Ram Temple consecration in January 2022.

The two records were set on 55 ghats, including Ram ki Paidi, on the banks of the Saryu River with over 2.5 million diyas lit together and 1,121 ‘vedacharyas’ (teachers of religious texts) performing ‘aarti’ simultaneously. The number of diyas were counted using drones.

Pravin Patel, the adjudicator at Guinness World Records was present at the event in Ayodhya with Guinness Consultant Nischal Bharot for verification. The team announced the new records on Wednesday evening.

“With a total of 1,121, U.P. Tourism, District administration of Ayodhya and Saryu Aarti Samiti, you are the Guinness World Records title holder for most people performing diya rotations simultaneously. Congratulations!” Patel declared.

On the second record, the Guinness adjudicator said, “With a total of 25,12,585, which translates into just over 25 lakh, U.P. Tourism, Government of U.P., District Administration of Ayodhya, and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, you are the new Guinness World Records title holder for the largest display of oil lamps!”

Patel further said that “most people performing diya rotations (aarti) simultaneously” is a brand new record. “This could not have been set up with just one diya so a minimum target of 250 was set,” he said.

For the largest display of oil lamps, the previous record was 22,23,676. This was achieved during the Deepotsav in 2023.

“While it is important that we have the numbers, it is also important that you follow the guidelines. You have met the guidelines for both records,” Patel noted. 

Deepotsav, a glowing spectacle of lights, is celebrated every year during Diwali since 2017. The event is celebrated in full grandeur in Ayodhya, on the banks of the Saryu River, which passes through the holy town revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram. 

Upon receiving the certificate of Guinness World Records this year, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended heartfelt congratulations to Ayodhya, the state, and the nation on “this unforgettable achievement”.

(With inputs from agencies)