Ayodhya, India – The city of Ayodhya illuminated the world on Sunday, October 19, 2025, during its annual Deepotsav festival, achieving two new Guinness World Records. The event, celebrating the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, saw the lighting of a staggering 26.17 lakh (2.617 million) diyas (earthen lamps) and a synchronized aarti (prayer ritual) performed by 2,128 people.
The Deepotsav celebrations transformed the city into a breathtaking spectacle of light and devotion. Over 33,000 volunteers gathered at Ram Ki Paidi, a series of ghats (steps) along the Saryu River, to meticulously arrange and light the diyas. The sheer scale of the illumination created a mesmerizing visual, casting a magical glow across the landscape. Following the lighting, a detailed drone counting exercise was conducted to verify the number of diyas, and officials from Guinness World Records confirmed the new world record.
Adding to the grandeur, 2,128 individuals participated in a synchronized aarti on the banks of the Saryu River. This inspiring display of unity and devotion also earned Ayodhya a place in the Guinness World Records.
The Deepotsav festival is not just a visual spectacle but also a cultural and spiritual event of great significance. The celebrations included cultural performances, devotional music, colorful processions, and dazzling laser and fireworks shows. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the ninth edition of Deepotsav, emphasizing the festival's role as a symbol of faith, unity, and Ayodhya's resurgence as a global hub of spirituality and tradition. As part of the festivities, Adityanath performed aarti of artists dressed as Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman, and ceremonially pulled the Pushpak Vimaan chariot, signifying Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya.
The event attracted thousands of devotees and tourists from across the globe. Authorities made comprehensive arrangements for sanitation, security, and crowd management to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors. The festival is celebrated from October 18 to October 23, with the main lamp-lighting ceremony scheduled for October 19.
The Deepotsav celebration highlights Ayodhya's rich cultural heritage and its transformation into a global cultural destination. With enhanced digital monitoring and the participation of thousands of volunteers, Deepotsav 2025 is one of the grandest celebrations in Ayodhya's history.
The city is already preparing for Deepotsav 2026, with plans to make the event even bigger and more memorable. The aim is to continue to promote Ayodhya as a major center for religious tourism and to showcase its unique cultural identity to the world.
