Over 2.5 Million Diyas Light Up Ayodhya, Setting World Record for Largest Oil Lamp Display

Ayodhya witnessed a historic night during the grand ‘Deepotsav 2024,’ setting not one, but two Guinness World Records as celebrations along the Saryu River reached unparalleled splendor.

On Wednesday evening, in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, Ayodhya’s district administration lit up the ghats with an extraordinary display of over 2.5 million diyas (earthen lamps). This magnificent event marked the largest-ever display of oil lamps worldwide. Additionally, a second record was set as thousands gathered to perform the largest simultaneous ‘diya’ rotation, illuminating the evening with an unmatched spirit of unity and reverence.

The atmosphere buzzed with pride and festivity as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accepted the official Guinness World Record certificates. He was joined by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who congratulated the people of Ayodhya for their role in achieving these milestones.

The banks of the Saryu transformed into a luminous festival of lights, with thousands of diyas glowing in unison, creating a spiritual ambiance accentuated by light shows, a captivating Ram Leela-inspired sound-and-light spectacle, and fireworks lighting up the night. A drone show added a modern twist to the traditional celebrations, with dazzling visuals capturing the essence of Deepotsav. This year’s celebration held a particularly deep significance as it followed the recent ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony for Ram Lala at Ayodhya’s temple—a moment cherished by devotees as a blessing on the city.

The five-day Deepotsav festival, celebrating Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile, featured eighteen artistic tableaux crafted by the Information and Tourism Departments. Each tableau beautifully depicted different aspects of Lord Ram’s life, portraying his journey, devotion, and legacy.

To honor Lord Ram’s arrival in Ayodhya, CM Yogi led a chariot procession with artists playing the roles of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, capturing the essence of the triumphant return. Alongside him, Union Minister Shekhawat and Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya added to the grandeur of the event.

In his address to the attendees, CM Yogi emphasized the renewed vibrancy of Sanatan Dharma, pointing to the transformations seen in Ayodhya and Kashi as symbols of spiritual resurgence. “Ayodhya’s brilliance today signifies the revival of Sanatan Dharma,” he stated. Reflecting on the transformation of the region, he remarked on the government’s resolve to keep Uttar Pradesh on a steady path of development, cautioning that any hindrances to progress would be met decisively. “Anyone obstructing humanity or development will face the same end as the mafias who sought to disrupt peace,” he declared, referencing the administration’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption and crime.

The celebration took on a nostalgic note as CM Yogi reminisced about the early Deepotsav gatherings eight years prior. He recalled the crowd’s enthusiastic chant, “Yogi ji, ek kaam karo, mandir ka nirman karo” (“Yogi ji, make the temple a reality”), which he answered with a message of faith, saying, “These diyas symbolize our belief in Lord Ram, and with his blessings, Sanatan Dharma will flourish.”

The evening also marked the launch of a new tourism app by CM Yogi, along with a book authored by Ayodhya’s Mayor, aimed at sharing the city’s rich heritage with visitors.