Ayodhya dazzled on Wednesday, carving its name in history with a new Guinness World Record by lighting 25.12 Lakh earthen lamps along the serene banks of the Saryu River as part of the grand Deepotsav celebration for Diwali. The awe-inspiring display, the largest of its kind, surpassed last year's record of 22 lakh lamps, capturing the world's attention and etching Ayodhya into the global spotlight.
Guinness World Records officials were on site to validate the achievement, presenting a certificate of recognition to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who accepted it on behalf of the city. The event was meticulously documented through drone footage to ensure adherence to Guinness's exacting standards.
"More than 30,000 volunteers, largely university students, worked tirelessly to organize and light the lamps with precision, ensuring they burned for the required duration," said Dr. Pratibha Goyal, vice-chancellor of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, who played a key role in coordinating the volunteer efforts.
The 25 lakh diyas cast a spellbinding glow along the 55 ghats spanning 1.5 kilometers on the Saryu, their flames holding steady for over five minutes to secure Ayodhya's seventh consecutive world record for the largest display of oil lamps. Nearly 91,000 liters of mustard oil fueled this breathtaking spectacle, which brought the holy city to life.
Alongside the lamps, Deepotsav also included a grand Maha Aarti, performed by 1,100 priests along the riverbanks, as well as an eco-friendly fireworks display over the Saryu Bridge. This year's celebration holds a special significance as it is the first Diwali since the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram (Pran Pratishtha) in January. The celebration extended beyond the ghats, with thousands of students helping arrange lamps along Ram Ki Paidi, the steps leading to the Saryu River. A vibrant laser show depicting scenes from the Ramayana added to the immersive experience, transporting visitors back to the age-old epic.
Volunteers successfully completed the synchronized lighting in under 30 minutes, with the final five minutes crucial for Guinness record verification.Ayodhya's streets were adorned with traditional decor, featuring grand arches and gates along the main routes, capturing the joyous atmosphere. Folk performances enriched the celebration, drawing both pilgrims and dignitaries alike to join the festivities.
Security was heightened across Ayodhya, with paramilitary commandos, bomb detectors, dog squads, face-recognition technology, and real-time monitoring drones ensuring a peaceful festival, according to Senior Police Officer Rajkaran Nayyar. In anticipation of the large crowd, authorities arranged extra trains to help those journeying back home for the holiday.
Yet, while Ayodhya's Deepotsav spotlighted eco-friendly "green" fireworks, air quality experts expressed concerns that Diwali celebrations across India could contribute to a temporary surge in pollution levels. "Air quality is expected to decline after the celebrations conclude on Thursday," warned meteorologist OP Gupta.
With its world-record achievement, Ayodhya has once again captured the heart of the Diwali season, celebrating the mythic return of Lord Ram from exile in a spectacle that continues to inspire devotion and wonder for millions worldwide.
