The spiritual heart of India, Ayodhya, once again demonstrated its unparalleled capacity for grand celebration with the 9th Deepotsav festival. This year’s event achieved an extraordinary milestone, setting three Guinness World Records and mesmerizing onlookers worldwide. A record-shattering 2,617,215 diyas illuminated the Ram Ki Paidi ghats, transforming them into a radiant landscape. This immense display was meticulously counted by drone technology and synchronized with a captivating laser light show and an elaborate 1,100-drone aerial performance. Adding to the spiritual gravitas, over 2,100 priests participated in a collective Maha Aarti along the Saryu River, a powerful spiritual convergence. The Uttar Pradesh government and the Ayodhya District Administration were instrumental in achieving this third record for lighting the largest number of oil lamps in a single event. This year’s achievement builds upon the festival’s remarkable growth since its inception in 2017, where it first entered the record books with 171,000 diyas. The scale has grown exponentially, with the 2024 Deepotsav lighting over 2.5 million diyas and securing two world records. The 2025 Deepotsav also featured a rich tapestry of cultural performances, including vibrant tableaux and artistic displays, celebrating the essence of Indian traditions and devotion, solidifying Ayodhya’s position as a global cultural landmark.
