October 31, 2024: The holy city of Ayodhya made history on Wednesday by setting two Guinness World Records during the eighth edition of the vibrant Deepotsav festival. The event, celebrated on the banks of the Saryu river, featured a breathtaking display of unity and devotion as over 25 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) were lit simultaneously, while 1,121 vedacharyas (teachers of religious texts) performed 'aarti' together.

The records were confirmed by Pravin Patel, a Guinness World Records adjudicator, who was accompanied by consultant Nischal Bharot for verification. “With a total of 1,121, UP Tourism, the District Administration of Ayodhya, and the Saryu Aarti Samiti, you are the Guinness World Records title holder for most people performing diya rotations simultaneously. Congratulations!” Patel announced to a cheering crowd.

In addition to the impressive performance of the vedacharyas, the lighting of 25,12,585 diyas set a new record for the largest display of oil lamps, surpassing the previous record of 22,23,676 achieved during last year's Deepotsav. Patel expressed his delight, stating, “I am absolutely thrilled to verify not just one, but two Guinness World Record titles today. This showcases the spirit and unity of the people of Ayodhya.”

The extensive counting of the diyas was conducted using drones, ensuring an accurate tally for this monumental achievement. The event took place across 55 ghats, including the iconic Ram ki Paidi, and transformed the riverbanks into a mesmerizing sea of lights.

Deepotsav, a festival symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, attracted thousands of participants and spectators, making this year’s celebration truly unforgettable. The community's effort to achieve these records highlights the rich cultural heritage of Ayodhya and its significance in the celebration of Diwali.