Ayodhya’s record-breaking Diwali: City lit up with 2.5mn diyas, drone and laser shows

Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya celebrated its first “Deepotsav” since the consecration of the Ram Temple, on Wednesday (Oct 30), with over 2.5 million diyas lit on the bank of River Saryu, creating a Guinness World Record. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the celebrations in Ayodhya. Along with Yogi, other cabinet ministers also joined him in lighting the first few lamps for the launch of the celebration. 

Ayodhya created a new Guinness World Record by lighting 2,512,585 diyas on Ram ki Paidi and 54 other ghats along the Saryu River. 

This broke the last record of 2,223,000 diyas set in 2023. 

The other Guinness World Record was of 1,121 people performing Saryu aarti simultaneously. The 1,121 individuals were ‘vedacharyas’ (teachers of religious texts), reported news agency PTI.

CM Yogi Adityanath received the certificates of two new Guinness World Records created during the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya. 

The UP tourism shared a post on X, with images showing the vibrant celebration in Ayodhya. 

Around 30,000 volunteers from Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University lit diyas along the 55 ghats throughout the city. 

Moreover, a laser and drone show was also organised, showing events from Ramayan. 

The celebration also featured cultural performances from artists representing six countries, including Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia. 

Watch | Ayodhya: Birthplace Of Lord Ram Dazzles In Divine Light During Diwali Season

Deepotsav, a five-day festival, commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The event showcases Ayodhya’s cultural and spiritual heritage, drawing millions of devotees and tourists.

Deepostav, being organised by the UP government in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, since 2017, has become a grand spectacle over the years.

Diwali is one of India’s most celebrated festivals. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. 

(With inputs from agencies)