Ayodhya, October 30, 2024 – The eighth edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya marked an extraordinary achievement as the city set two Guinness World Records for the largest simultaneous aarti and the largest display of oil lamps. Held along the banks of the Saryu River, over 2.5 million earthen lamps (diyas) illuminated 55 ghats, including the iconic Ram ki Paidi, while 1,121 ‘vedacharyas’ performed aarti together, creating a historic moment in the holy city.
Pravin Patel, an adjudicator from Guinness World Records, accompanied by Guinness Consultant Nischal Bharot, verified the records in Ayodhya. “Congratulations to U.P. Tourism, the District Administration of Ayodhya, and the Saryu Aarti Samiti for setting the Guinness World Records title for the most people performing diya rotations simultaneously, with a total of 1,121 participants,” Patel announced during the evening ceremony.
On confirming the second record, Patel declared, “With 25,12,585 diyas, just over 2.5 million, Ayodhya is now the Guinness World Records title holder for the largest display of oil lamps. This spectacular event has redefined what is possible with collective celebration.”
The record-breaking event was organized meticulously with drones counting the diyas to ensure accuracy. Notably, the “most people performing diya rotations” record required a minimum threshold of 250 participants, a target significantly exceeded by Ayodhya’s large-scale coordination.
This year’s Deepotsav celebration saw the lighting of 2.5 million diyas—a steady growth from previous years, where Ayodhya initially lit 1.71 lakh diyas in 2017 and gradually increased the count to 22.23 lakh in 2023. This year’s figure broke the previous record of 22,23,676 set during last year’s Deepotsav, underscoring the event’s expanding scale and Ayodhya’s prominence in global celebrations.
A statement from the Uttar Pradesh government highlighted the wide participation, including faculty and students from Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University and affiliated colleges, along with voluntary organizations, local public representatives, and various ministries. The milestone, confirmed by Guinness representatives, was celebrated with a congratulatory message from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who commended the achievement as a “symbol of the state’s prosperity and pride.”
Initiated in 2017, Deepotsav has grown into a grand spectacle, held each year on the eve of Diwali. Ayodhya’s illuminated ghats honor the birthplace of Lord Ram, creating an iconic celebration that captures the essence of unity, tradition, and devotion.
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