Every year during Diwali, thousands of pilgrims from around the world flock to Ayodhya to embrace the festive atmosphere and receive blessings from Lord Rama at his birthplace. Just before Diwali, the city hosts Deepotsav, a celebration that was first initiated by the Uttar Pradesh government in 2017. Since its inception, it has evolved into a magnificent festival of lights celebrated annually in this sacred city. Deepotsav marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In 2025, the main celebration took place on October 21, with events running from October 18 to 23. On October 19, 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government set two Guinness World Records during the 9th edition of Ayodhya Deepotsav.
One record was for illuminating 2.617 million diyas (traditional oil lamps) at a single location, and the other was for 2,128 priests performing aarti at the same time along the banks of the Saryu River, all part of the grand Diwali festivities in Ayodhya.
The grand event turned the city of Ayodhya into a dazzling spectacle, solidifying its status as the spiritual heart of India. Organized by Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the festival symbolized the triumph of faith over darkness. Volunteers from local universities and colleges began crafting intricate designs for the diyas early in the day. Over 30,000 individuals meticulously prepared the lamps using 73,000 liters of oil and 5.5 million wicks, all ready to be lit as the sun set.
‘राममय’ श्री अयोध्या धाम में आज 26 लाख 17 हजार 215 दीपों की जगमगाती ज्योति ने विश्व-रिकॉर्ड रचते हुए सनातन संस्कृति के अमर तेज को पुनः प्रज्वलित किया है।
‘दीपोत्सव-2025’ श्रद्धा, साधना और संकल्प का वह उत्सव है, जहां 2,128 वेदाचार्यों, अर्चकों और साधकों ने एक साथ माँ सरयू की आरती… pic.twitter.com/eoDfitHkWB
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) October 19, 2025
In Deepotsav 2025, Each Diya Had A QR Code
To ensure precision, each diya’s placement was verified through QR codes, while drones and officials from Guinness World Records monitored the setup and count in real time. The festivities also featured a stunning drone and laser show that depicted scenes from the Ramayana, including images of Lord Ram, Sita, Hanuman, and Ravana projected onto the night sky above the Saryu River.
The entire stretch from Ram Ki Paidi to Guptar Ghat was transformed into a dazzling sea of devotion and artistry, showcasing Ayodhya’s revitalized cultural pride as it celebrated the festivities of Ram Lalla.
Richard Stenning and Nischal Barot from Guinness World Records confirmed Ayodhya’s remarkable achievements: 1. Largest Display of Oil Lamps: An astonishing 2,617,215 diyas were lit simultaneously. 2. Highest Number of Individuals Performing Diya Rotation Together: A total of 2,128 participants engaged in synchronized aarti along the banks of the Saryu.
