Ayodhya, India – Diwali 2025 unfolded with unprecedented brilliance in the holy city of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, as the annual Deepotsav celebration shattered expectations and set two new Guinness World Records. The spiritual spectacle saw over 2.6 million earthen lamps illuminate the banks of the sacred Sarayu River, creating a breathtaking display of devotion and light.
The ninth edition of the Ayodhya Deepotsav, inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, was a monumental success. More than 2.6 million devotees and volunteers participated in the event, joined by 2,128 priests who conducted a grand Mahaaarti. This massive gathering transformed Ayodhya into a glowing testament to faith and tradition.
The meticulous arrangement of millions of diyas, a feat requiring immense coordination by local residents, over 32,000 students from Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, and the district administration, ensured a continuous and radiant glow. The visual splendor was further enhanced by a captivating Ramayan-themed laser and light show, which, combined with the sea of lamps, evoked a divine atmosphere, making it feel as if heaven had descended.
The two Guinness World Records achieved are historic: one for lighting an astounding 2,617,215 earthen lamps simultaneously, and the second for the largest Mahaaarti, with 2,128 priests performing the ritual together. These records underscore the immense scale and significance of the Ayodhya Deepotsav, which has grown significantly since its inception in 2017.
During the event, Chief Minister Adityanath spoke about the spiritual resurgence of Ayodhya, indirectly referencing past opposition to the Ram Temple. He emphasized that the lighting of each lamp symbolizes the triumph of truth over adversity, a message resonating deeply with the thousands present.
