On Shivaratri, Ujjain sets new record by lighting ‘largest display of oil lamps’

New Delhi, Feb 18: The Madhya Pradesh Government has set a new Guinness world record for the 'largest display of oil lamps' by lighting more than 21 lakh lamps in Ujjain as part of the Mahashivratri celebrations.

Going by the reports, 22,000 volunteers took part in the event to create the history. Last year, the temple town of Ujjain created a Guinness record by lighting 11.71 lakh clay lamps (diyas).

However, the record was broken in Ayodhya when 15.76 lakh diyas were lit on Deepavali. Also, the temple town witnessed an eye-pleasing laser show on the occasion of Shivaratri. Devotees burst crackers and songs were dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Ujjain is home to Mahakaleshwar, one of the 12 jyotirlingas associated with Shiva.

The state government's culture department hosted a grand event called 'Shiv Jyoti Arpanam' in Ujjain, which was executed by the city administration.

Shivaratri is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus. The legends of the festival come from different stories, one is how Shiva swallowed Halahala poison to save the world, another is that Mahashivratri is the anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's marriage. Devotees keep fast, chant prayers and keep an all-night vigil on Maha Shivratri.