Ayodhya illuminated the night sky in spectacular style on Sunday, setting two new Guinness World Records during the grand Deepotsav celebrations. Over 26 lakh earthen lamps were lit simultaneously and more than 2,000 participants performed a collective ‘aarti’, marking an unprecedented celebration on the eve of Diwali.
According to an official statement, representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records confirmed that a total of 26,17,215 diyas were lit across the ghats, with drones verifying the count. The Guinness certificate was formally presented to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath by Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat.
The massive display was jointly organized by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism, the Ayodhya district administration, and Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University.
Grand Procession and Royal Aarti
Earlier in the day, Ayodhya witnessed a majestic procession along the iconic Rampath to mark Chhoti Diwali. The event featured 22 decorative tableaux, each depicting scenes from the Ramayana’s seven chapters Balakanda, Ayodhyakanda, Aranyakanda, Kishkindhakanda, Sundarkanda, Lankakanda, and Uttarakanda. Devotees chanted “Jai Shri Ram” as they watched the grand spectacle organised by the Information Department, Ayodhya Development Authority, and Tourism and Culture Department, PTI reported.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also performed aarti at the sacred Saryu river, offering prayers for the well-being and prosperity of all. Sharing photos on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “On the divine occasion of Deepotsav-2025, I had the privilege to perform the aarti of Mother Saryu at Shri Ayodhya Dham. May she bless everyone with joy, peace, and prosperity. Jai Maa Saryu!”
(with inputs from PTI)