Ayodhya's Deepotsav Celebrates with Over 2.5 Million Diyas and Calls for Transformation in Kashi and Mathura

Ayodhya dazzled on Wednesday with 25,12,585 diyas illuminating the Saryu riverbanks, marking two world records during Deepotsav's eighth edition on Diwali eve. This was the first Deepotsav since the Ram Lalla temple's consecration on January 22. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the celebrations, joined by cabinet members and Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The event set records for the largest oil lamp display and the most people performing an aarti simultaneously, as confirmed by Guinness World Records representatives. Adityanath highlighted Ayodhya's transformation as evidence of the government's commitment to development, urging similar changes in Kashi and Mathura by 2047, India's centenary of independence.

Deepotsav Celebrations and Cultural Showcases

The city was adorned with lights for Deepotsav, with temples, streets, and buildings glowing brightly. Houses across Ayodhya added to the spectacle. The festival featured 500 drones, laser shows, cultural programmes, and Ramayana tableaux. Artists from states like Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Telangana, and others showcased their folk cultures, enriching the experience.

According to government estimates, over 35 lakh lamps lit up Ayodhya. Of these, 25,12,585 were placed on 55 ghats along the Saryu river. The number of diyas has grown significantly since 2017 when it started with 1.71 lakh lamps. This year’s grand display was made possible by over 30,000 volunteers from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University and local institutions.

Procession and Tableaux

A vibrant procession featuring tableaux depicting Ramayana characters paraded through Ayodhya as part of Deepotsav. At its end, Adityanath received the procession with an aarti and pulled the chariot carrying artists portraying Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. The characters arrived in Ayodhya via helicopter, reminiscent of the mythical Pushpak Viman.

Eighteen tableaux illustrated episodes from the Ramcharitmanas during the procession from Saket Mahavidyalaya to Ram Katha Park amidst firecrackers and gulal bursts. State Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh inaugurated these floats alongside MLA Ved Prakash Gupta and Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi.

Artistic Contributions

Saket College students depicted scenes like Putrayeshti yagna and Ram's coronation in their tableaux. Folk artists narrated these depictions live. For this year's Deepotsav, Saket Mahavidyalaya crafted 18 stunning tableaux—11 by the information department and seven by tourism—depicting scenes from various Kands of Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas.

Special displays highlighted key episodes in Ram's life: his education and marriage to Sita, forest exile, Bharat Milaap, Shabri's devotion, Ashok Vatika visit, Hanuman's Lanka journey, Lakshman's injury from Shakti arrow, Ravan's defeat, and grand return to Ayodhya.

Global Participation

Deepotsav featured performances by artists from Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia alongside Uttarakhand’s staging of Ram Lila. When Adityanath became chief minister in 2017 he envisioned grand Deepotsav celebrations which have grown annually since then—from 1.71 lakh lamps in 2017 to an impressive 25 lakh-plus lamps in 2024.

The lighting of over 25 lakh lamps set a new world record for largest oil-lamp display announced by Guinness World Records adjudicator Pravin Patel. Another record was set for most people performing an aarti simultaneously with 1,121 vedacharyas rotating diyas along Saryu riverbanks.

Adityanath expressed pride in Ayodhya's transformation as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Sanatan Dharma heritage development globally. He congratulated all participants in Deepotsav 2024 saying "Hail Lord Ram!" on social media posts shared by Modi too.

Officials mentioned that local artisans supplied diyas while arrangements were made to host around 5-6 thousand people at ghats where forty jumbo LED screens broadcasted events live.

Sakshi from Jammu & Kashmir felt blessed representing her state’s culture while Vishal Sharma expressed gratitude participating in first Diwali after Ram temple consecration; Iqbal Ansari welcomed procession calling it joyous festive occasion celebrated by everyone alike.