The vibrant energy of positivity illuminated Ayodhya on Wednesday as the eighth Deepotsav celebration brought light to the land, water, and sky. This marked the first Deepotsav since the consecration of Ram Lalla on January 22. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the occasion as a historic moment, stating, “This is a historic first as after 500 years, Lord Ram is now in his abode for Diwali.”
Devotees gathered along the Saryu River were treated to a mesmerizing drone show featuring 500 drones lighting up the sky. Volunteers set a new record at Ram Ki Paidi by lighting 25.13 lakh diyas, and another record was set as 1,121 volunteers and saints performed a synchronized diya rotation during the Saryu aarti at Naya Ghat. Guinness World Records adjudicators confirmed the diya count at 7:35 pm, making the event officially record-breaking.
In total, 35 lakh diyas illuminated Ayodhya, with every home, temple, mutt, and ashram glowing in celebration. Over 30,000 volunteers from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, local colleges, and various NGOs contributed by adding oil and wicks to light the lamps.
The chants of “Jai Shri Ram” echoed throughout Ayodhya as the town was bathed in light, marking the first Deepotsav since the consecration of Ram Lalla. The celebration surpassed last year’s record of 22.23 lakh diyas. This year, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lit the first diya at Ram Ki Paidi, signaling the start of the event, as volunteers followed suit.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, and other dignitaries joined Yogi Adityanath in offering prayers at the temple. The event kicked off with 18 decorative tableaux traveling from Saket Intercollege to Ram Katha Park, where artists, musicians, and drummers performed synchronized songs.
This year’s Deepotsav was especially meaningful for thousands who felt a deeper connection to Lord Ram, as the banks of the Saryu River glowed with countless diyas. The event included a flower petal shower from a helicopter, and actors portraying Ram, Laxman, and Sita descended from the Pushpak Viman. CM Yogi Adityanath, accompanied by dignitaries, pulled the chariot, enhancing the celebration’s spiritual unity.
Artists from Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia showcased their own interpretations of Ram Lila, while over 1,300 performers from around the world graced the stage. Rangolis adorned major intersections, symbolizing prosperity and unity, adding to the festive and vibrant atmosphere.
