Ayodhya’s 2024 Deepotsav festival set two Guinness World Records in a grand celebration leading up to Diwali. This event, held in the sacred city of Ayodhya, took place on the banks of the Sarayu River and showcased a spectacular display of over 2.8 million diyas (earthen lamps), which were lit to commemorate the occasion. Known as the Deepotsav, this event has grown annually in its scale and prominence since 2017, reflecting Ayodhya’s deep connection with Diwali and its religious significance in Hindu culture.
Record-Breaking Display of Diyas
The first record was set by lighting an astonishing 28 lakh diyas along the riverbank. Volunteers, local residents, and devotees worked together, carefully positioning each diya to create intricate patterns that symbolized unity and devotion. As evening descended, the diyas were ignited, illuminating the river and surrounding areas with a warm, golden glow that could be seen from afar. The entire scene was not only visually stunning but also marked a testament to community participation, as people from across the state and country contributed to making this vision a reality
This massive illumination was a spiritual highlight of the festival and represented the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his exile, a central narrative of Diwali in Hindu mythology. The lighting of diyas has long been symbolic of good triumphing over evil and enlightenment over ignorance, making the visual impact even more poignant for participants and onlookers.
Aarti Record with Vedacharyas
In addition to the diya display, another record was set during a grand aarti (a religious ceremony involving light). For this event, 1,100 Vedacharyas (Vedic scholars) participated in performing synchronized chants and rituals, creating a remarkable experience of sound and light. This grand aarti was held at the Sarayu Ghat and brought together these scholars to chant in unison while handling 1,100 lit diyas. The chants reverberated across the area, blending with the flickering lights of the diyas and adding a spiritually profound layer to the evening’s events
Significance and Impact
The Deepotsav 2024 marked an important milestone for Ayodhya, not only because of the scale of the event but also because it was the first Diwali celebration following the recent completion of the Ram Temple. With the temple as a new focal point, this year’s Deepotsav carried even more emotional and religious significance for participants. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the event and accepted certificates from Guinness World Records officials, solidifying the city’s achievement. This celebration has also brought Ayodhya into the spotlight internationally, as it underscores the city’s cultural heritage and significance.
The Deepotsav event exemplified communal harmony and pride, as millions of participants and volunteers joined hands to contribute to this record-breaking feat. Each year, the festival grows in scale and spirit, aiming to honor Ayodhya’s rich traditions while promoting its place in the contemporary cultural landscape. The event not only boosts local tourism but also strengthens Ayodhya’s identity as a symbol of Hindu culture and faith. With every diya lit and every chant sung, the Deepotsav 2024 resonated with themes of peace, community, and spirituality, bridging ancient tradition with modern celebration
#Deepotsav2024 #bharatmirror #bharatmirror21 #diwali #ChiefMinister #CM #yogi #ayodhaya #rammandir #DiwaliVibes #hindufestival #worldrecord #GuinnessWorldRecord #guinness #mandir #AyodhyaDham
