The city of Ayodhya has once again made global headlines, this time for setting three new Guinness World Records during its 9th Deepotsav festival. The highlight of the event was the simultaneous lighting of an unprecedented 2,617,215 diyas at Ram Ki Paidi, a feat verified by drone technology and enhanced by a spectacular laser light show and a 1,100-drone aerial performance. The spiritual fervor was palpable as 2,128 priests gathered for a unified Maha Aarti on the sacred banks of the Saryu River. This monumental undertaking, which also established a third world record for the most oil lamps lit, was a collaborative effort led by the Uttar Pradesh government and the Ayodhya District Administration. The Deepotsav has grown exponentially since its start in 2017, consistently breaking its own records. The 2024 festival had set benchmarks with over 2.5 million diyas and two world records. The 2025 edition not only achieved new records but also showcased a vibrant cultural panorama. Elaborate tableaux depicting the Ramayana and other significant themes, along with artistic presentations, celebrated India’s rich heritage, cementing Ayodhya’s reputation as a symbol of cultural resilience and spiritual magnitude.
