Ayodhya sets new Guinness World record by lighting 22.23 lakh diyas during ‘Deepotsav’
The illumination of approximately 22,23,000 Diyas (earthen lights) in Ayodhya on November 11 during the Diwali celebrations has set a new global record for the Deepotsav holiday. The event, which took place as part of the Deepotsav celebrations, showcased a stunning display of lights.
Specifically, as many as 24 lakh ‘diyas’ were ignited on Ram ki Pairi, marking a grand spectacle and adding a touch of grandeur to the festive celebrations. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor across India and various parts of the world. The lighting of Diyas symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil in Hindu mythology. The record-setting illumination in Ayodhya reflects the scale and cultural significance of the Deepotsav festivities in the city, known for its association with the Hindu epic Ramayana.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who attended the Deepotsav celebrations, expressed the overwhelming sentiment of the people present. He noted that as the Deepotsav program began, it seemed that the predominant wish of every individual was the construction of the Ram Temple.
Adityanath further stated that the government is making substantial investments, amounting to crores of rupees, to develop the city and undergo a transformation of Ayodhya. This development is in anticipation of the construction of the Ram Mandir, a highly significant and awaited project that holds cultural and religious importance for many.
The statement by Chief Minister Adityanath reflects the strong connection between the cultural and religious sentiments of the people and the developmental efforts being undertaken by the government in Ayodhya, particularly in the context of the construction of the Ram Mandir. The Deepotsav celebrations, with their record-setting display of Diyas, serve as a cultural and festive expression of this anticipation and aspiration.
The worshipers at Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi engaged in prayers to Lord Ram Lalla during the festivities. As part of the celebrations, a parade was organized, commencing from Udaya Square and traversing across the city until it reached Ram Katha Park. The parade was adorned with performances by folk artists and the rendition of “aartis,” contributing to the festive atmosphere.
According to reports, the initiation of the parade was carried out by Jaiveer Singh, the minister of tourism and culture for Uttar Pradesh. This highlights the involvement of government officials in fostering cultural and religious celebrations, underlining the significance of these events in the region.
The inclusion of cultural performances and religious rituals in the parade adds a vibrant and festive touch to the celebrations, creating a sense of community and shared joy among the participants and spectators. The festivities and religious observances in Ayodhya reflect the deep cultural and spiritual roots embedded in the historical and religious significance of the city.
The tableaux showcased during the festivities in Ayodhya encompassed a diverse range of topics, reflecting a broad spectrum of social, environmental, and developmental themes. Some of the highlighted subjects included science and technology, women’s safety and welfare, children’s rights and basic education, self-reliance, and the preservation of the environment and forests. Additionally, various government programs were also featured in the display, underscoring a comprehensive approach to societal development.
A remarkable aspect of the celebrations has been the increasing number of diyas (earthen lights) illuminated each year. From 51,000 diyas in 2017 to 4.10 lakh in 2019, over 6 lakh in 2020, and exceeding 9 lakh in 2021, the record-setting trend continued. The lighting of diyas has become symbolic of the Deepotsav celebrations and serves as a visual representation of the festive spirit and cultural richness.
Notably, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized this grand display of diyas, specifying that only those diyas that remained lit for five minutes or longer were included in the record count. Consequently, the record for the most diyas lit across the ghats of Ram ki Pairi in 2022 reached an impressive 15.76 lakh, solidifying Ayodhya’s place in the Guinness World Records. This achievement underscores the magnitude and scale of the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, making it a globally recognized event.
