Ayodhya: Ayodhya once again witnessed a spectacle of devotion and light as Deepotsav 2025 illuminated the sacred city with an astonishing 26,17,215 diyas, creating a divine sea of radiance along the banks of the Sarayu. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the grand celebration broke two Guinness World Records—for lighting the maximum number of diyas and for a massive collective Sarayu Aarti performed by 2,128 Vedic priests simultaneously.
As dusk descended on Sunday, Ramnagari turned into a celestial landscape. Every lane, temple, and ghat shimmered in the warm glow of earthen lamps, reflecting the unwavering faith of millions who had gathered from across India and abroad. The chants of “Jai Shri Ram” echoed through the air, merging with the rhythmic waves of the Sarayu, as if the river herself were joining the chorus of devotion.
This year’s Deepotsav carried special emotional resonance—it was the second grand celebration after the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024. The entire city, adorned with flowers, rangolis, and illuminated arches, radiated the spirit of Maryada Purushottam Ram. From the temples of Hanuman Garhi to the narrow alleys of old Ayodhya, homes were lit with lamps symbolizing the eternal victory of light over darkness.
The celebrations began with the lighting of diyas at 56 ghats across the Sarayu, aided by 32,000 volunteers from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University, local colleges, and social organizations. Drones counted each diya to ensure accuracy before Guinness officials confirmed the new world record, prompting an emotional moment for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
“Today, Ayodhya is not just glowing with lamps but with faith and unity,” Yogi said, raising his hands in gratitude as crowds erupted into chants.
At Ramkatha Park, the Chief Minister, along with cabinet ministers and saints, performed rituals to honor Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. The symbolic Rajyabhishek (coronation) of Lord Ram, accompanied by traditional hymns and flower showers from helicopters, left thousands teary-eyed. As a chariot carrying actors portraying Ram, Sita, and Lakshman entered the venue, Yogi himself pulled the ceremonial rath, symbolizing the government’s devotion to Raghukul maryada.
The city’s spiritual fervor was elevated by a spectacular drone show featuring 1,100 indigenous drones, which painted scenes from the Ramayana across the night sky—from Ram’s exile to his triumphant return to Ayodhya. Audiences stood mesmerized as the images of Ram Darbar and Pushpak Viman appeared in the heavens.
The Deepotsav also showcased India’s cultural unity. Artists from Thailand, Russia, Indonesia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka performed Ramleela in their native styles, while over 2,000 Indian artists presented folk traditions on various stages across Ayodhya. Streets were lined with colorful rangolis symbolizing prosperity and harmony.
At the heart of the celebration, 2,128 priests performed the Sarayu Aarti, another Guinness-certified record. As diyas floated on the river, the scene appeared ethereal—thousands of flickering flames reflecting the divine aura of Ram Rajya.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath later visited the Ram Temple, where he offered prayers, performed aarti, and lit diyas at the sanctum. He was joined by key dignitaries including Champat Rai, Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and senior saints like Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and Dr. Ramvilas Vedanti.
Reflecting on the journey since 2017, when the first Deepotsav was celebrated with just 1.71 lakh lamps, Yogi said, “This celebration is not just about numbers—it’s about devotion, identity, and the resurgence of cultural pride.”
The grandeur of Deepotsav 2025 was not confined to records alone—it was a reaffirmation of Ayodhya’s spiritual soul. From the Pushpak Viman’s floral descent to the rhythmic chanting of priests, from the glow of lamps to the melodies of devotional songs like ‘Ram Aaye Awadh Ki Ore Sajni’, every moment reflected divinity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ also came alive as people from every linguistic, cultural, and regional background participated with equal fervor, turning Ayodhya into a living symbol of India’s unity in diversity.
As the night deepened and 26 lakh diyas shimmered across the ghats, the message was clear—Ayodhya is not just the land of Lord Ram, it is the light of faith that continues to guide the spirit of India.
