Ayodhya hosted its first ‘Deepotsav’ since the consecration of the Ram temple in January, lighting over 25 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) on the banks of the River Saryu, achieving a new Guinness World Record on Wednesday, October 30.
The eighth edition of Deepotsav was led by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who, along with cabinet members and other dignitaries, lit the first few lamps to officially launch the celebrations.
During the event, Pravin Patel, a Guinness World Records adjudicator, announced the two new records: the largest display of oil lamps and the most people performing aarti simultaneously with 1,121 ‘vedacharyas’ (teachers of religious texts) participating.
“With a total of 1,121, UP 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.
He further confirmed that with a total of 25,12,585 diyas, which translates to just over 25 lakh, Ayodhya also set the record for the largest display of oil lamps. This is absolutely delightful, Patel said, expressing his joy at verifying two remarkable records.
Patel noted that the record for “most people performing diya rotations (aarti) simultaneously” is a brand new achievement, highlighting the importance of meeting guidelines set by Guinness World Records. The previous record for the largest display of oil lamps stood at 22,23,676.
Deepotsav, celebrated on the eve of Diwali, has been held in Ayodhya since 2017 and is particularly significant this year as it marks the first celebration since the Ram temple’s consecration on January 22. The event is a glowing tribute to the city, revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram.