Ayodhya Sets Guinness Record By Lighting 22 Lakh Diyas
More than 22 lakh ‘diyas’ illuminated the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya during the seventh edition of the Deepotsav, setting a new world record for lighting a large number of lamps simultaneously at one place.
The 22+ lakh ‘diyas’ (earthen lanterns), 6.47 lakh more than the previous year, were lit by 25,000 volunteers at the 51 ghats of Ram Ki Paidi along the river. The representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records, using drones to count the lamps, officially recognized Ayodhya’s achievement, echoing the city with triumphant chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram.’
Upon receiving the certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended warm greetings to the entire Ayodhya and its residents. Since the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, Deepotsav has evolved into a major event in the state, attracting larger crowds and more significant participation each year.
The growth of Deepotsav over the years reflects Ayodhya’s commitment to this grand celebration. In 2017, the event saw the lighting of 1.71 lakh lamps, and the numbers have been consistently increasing since then. In 2018, 3.01 lakh lamps were lit, followed by 4.04 lakh in 2019, 6.06 lakh in 2020, 9.41 lakh in 2021, and an astonishing 15.76 lakh in 2022, showcasing the remarkable progression of this festival.
CM Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, and other cabinet members actively participated in the event, lighting lamps and performing prayers at the banks of the Saryu River. What made the seventh Deepotsav even more special was the presence of diplomats from 54 countries who witnessed the celebration. The live telecast of the event reached over 100 countries, adding a global touch to this traditional festival.
The festivities were not confined to lamp lighting alone. Cultural presentations by artists from 21 states, 11 tableaus, and Ramlila performances from countries like Russia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Nepal added a vibrant and diverse flavor to the event. The talents of 2,500 artists from India and abroad illuminated Ayodhya, making it a melting pot of cultural richness.
This year’s Deepotsav, coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti, became an unparalleled event in Ayodhya. With only 70 days left for the consecration ceremony of the idol of Lord Ram Lalla on January 22, the event marked a significant milestone in the lead-up to this auspicious occasion.
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