Ayodhya: This year’s Deepotsav in Ayodhya was an unparalleled spectacle, honoring the real return of Lord Rama from exile. Held months after the Lord Rama temple consecration, under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this event not only highlighted Ayodhya’s cultural heritage but also emphasized environmental responsibility. As part of the festival, a dazzling pollution-free fireworks display illuminated the sky, reflecting the state’s dedication to grandeur and sustainability.
Pollution-Free Fireworks Over the Saryu River
At the heart of the celebrations was a green fireworks show at Ram Ki Paidi, with rockets reaching a height of 600 feet and visibility extending up to five kilometers. Organized by the Tourism Department, the pyrotechnics display took place on the historic Saryu bridge, utilizing environmentally friendly aerial crackers. This 10-minute show synchronized with music, lasers, and a mesmerizing flame display, promised attendees a captivating and eco-friendly experience.
Sanjay Singh, head of Axis Communication, shared that this program aimed to present an unforgettable visual of Ayodhya’s night sky, where music, lights, and fireworks blend seamlessly, adding an innovative twist to this traditional festival.
Breaking World Records with 28 Lakh Diyas
The Deepotsav broke a Guinness World Record by lighting a staggering 28 lakh diyas, surpassing last year’s record of 22.23 lakh. This feat required meticulous preparation, with over 30,000 volunteers, students, and NGO representatives working together on 55 ghats along the Saryu River.
Guinness official Nischal Barot expressed confidence in this year’s attempt to set a new world record, with 25 lakh diyas forming a spectacular display, complemented by an additional 80,000 lamps arranged in the shape of a Swastika at Ghat No. 10, symbolizing auspiciousness and unity.
A unique aspect of this year’s Deepotsav was the inclusion of a grand aarti performed by 1100 priests, creating another potential world record. The aarti of Mata Saryu, led by Coordinator Shashikant Das was a unified offering involving priests from across India, adding to the spiritual sanctity of the event.
A cultural procession, featured 17-18 grand tableaux illustrating scenes from the Ramayana, along with performers from six neighboring countries—Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia—emphasizing the global significance of Ayodhya’s heritage. Traditional folk dance forms, such as Gorakhpur’s Faruahi, Rajasthan’s Bamrasiya, and Bihar’s Tharu further enhanced the cultural diversity of the event.
To add a modern twist, an aerial drone show featuring 500 Indian-made drones portrayed vibrant images of Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Hanuman.
Since the inception of Deepotsav in 2017, where 1.71 lakh diyas were lit, the number of lamps has steadily increased year by year. The annual rise from 3.01 lakh diyas in 2018 to this year’s 28 lakh reflects the growing dedication to making Ayodhya a beacon of cultural pride. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the ceremonial aarti at the Saryu’s ghats before overseeing the lighting ceremony. He participated in the coronation of Lord Ram at Ram Katha Park, which hosted the additional programs until the evening. His 20-hour stay underscores the state’s commitment to honoring Lord Rama’s homecoming in a grand manner.
