Grand Ayodhya Deepotsav aims to set record with 28 lakh diyas

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya is beautifully adorned for Deepotsav on Wednesday. This marks the first celebration in the city since the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple, held on January 22.

The day began with the Shobha Yatra, a procession of tableaux showcasing the life of Lord Ram, based on the seven chapters of the Ramayana. The procession started from Saket Mahavidyalaya and featured around 18 tableaus, which will tour the city to depict all chapters of the Ramayana while promoting the message of women empowerment.

Artists from across the country presented various folk dances during the procession. One participating artist mentioned their goal of promoting traditions and cultural heritage, stating, “My aim is to further the celebration of our traditions. There is a portrayal of Lord Ram’s childhood, along with Mata Kaushalya and King Dasharath, depicting the early years of Lord Ram.”

The Yogi Adityanath government plans to illuminate the city with 28 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) in an effort to set a new world record. Approximately 30,000 volunteers will arrange the diyas.

This year’s Deepotsav will also attempt another world record, with 1,100 people performing the largest aarti together on the ghats of Saryu. The UP Chief Minister will participate in the special aarti and light the diyas. The event will take place at multiple locations, including New Ghat and Old Ghat.

A 30-member Guinness World Records team is present in the city to oversee the preparations. They are expected to announce the results after the lighting of the diyas. The counting will use specialized software to ensure accuracy, as precise dimensions for each 16 by 16-foot area are critical for maintaining count integrity.

The five-day Diwali festivities began with Dhanteras on Tuesday and will conclude with Bhai Dooj. Known as the “festival of lights,” Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hindu lunar month of Karthik, occurring between mid-October and mid-November.

For Deepotsav, there will be performances by artists from six countries—Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia—along with a Ram Leela presentation from Uttarakhand.

Deepotsav celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, highlighting the city’s cultural and spiritual significance while attracting millions of devotees and tourists.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Jaiveer Singh elaborated on the plans for the celebrations, noting that this is the first Deepotsav since the establishment of the Ram Temple. He mentioned that many beautiful decorations have been assembled to enhance the festivities. “Today, I extend my best wishes to every Sanatan follower who believes in traditions and rituals in the country and across the world. Everyone in Ayodhya is overwhelmed and happy today, feeling the same enthusiasm that people must have felt when Lord Ram returned from 14 years of exile. We will also perform aarti with 1,100 diyas at the Saryu Ghat with 1,100 Vedacharyas.”