In a grand celebration of Diwali, Ayodhya witnessed a spectacular display of light as approximately 22,23,000 diyas (earthen lights) were illuminated on November 11, setting a new global record for the Deepotsav holiday. The festivities also marked the occasion of Deepotsav, with a staggering 24 lakh diyas ignited on the sacred grounds of Ram ki Pairi.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the government’s substantial investment in transforming Ayodhya and building the city in anticipation of the construction of the Ram Mandir. The sacred precincts of Ram Janamabhoomi saw devout worshippers offering prayers to Lord Ram Lalla during the celebrations.
A vibrant parade, starting at Udaya Square and traversing the city to reach Ram Katha Park, was a central part of the festivities. The parade featured performances by folk artists and devotional “aartis,” with the initiation attributed to Jaiveer Singh, the Minister of Tourism and Culture for Uttar Pradesh.
The tableaux showcased various themes encompassing science and technology, women’s safety and welfare, children’s rights and basic education, self-reliance, and environmental conservation. Several government programs were also depicted through the artistic displays. The evolution of the Diwali celebration in Ayodhya has seen a remarkable increase in the number of diyas illuminated, setting Guinness World Records in previous years.
The Guinness Book of World Records criteria specified that diyas had to remain lit for at least five minutes to be included. Consequently, the record for the most diyas lit across the ghats of Ram ki Pairi in 2022 stood at 15.76 lakh. This achievement adds another milestone to Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations, showcasing the city’s cultural richness and the enthusiasm of its residents in making each year’s festivities more vibrant and record-breaking.
