Ayodhya witnessed a dazzling spectacle this Diwali as the holy city set two Guinness World Records during its grand Deepotsav celebration, combining faith, culture, and politics in a striking display.
The Saryu River ghats glowed with 26.17 lakh earthen lamps, while 2,128 devotees performed a synchronised aarti, creating a breathtaking scene of devotion and unity. Officials from Guinness World Records confirmed both feats, cementing Ayodhya’s place on the global cultural map.
Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar hailed the achievement as a “proud moment for India’s spiritual heritage,” noting that Deepotsav had grown into a festival representing national unity. “The entire nation has embraced this celebration. Deepotsav has acquired a new dimension. The government is moving in step with the people’s faith,” he said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who presided over the event, used the platform to deliver a sharp political message. “They honour Babar and disregard Ram,” he said, drawing applause from the massive gathering as he contrasted his government’s commitment to Ayodhya’s revival with what he called the indifference of previous administrations.
Rajbhar echoed the sentiment, questioning past governments’ neglect of Ayodhya’s sanctity. “Before 2017, no government took Ayodhya seriously. Previous chief ministers avoided visiting it out of fear. This government stands with Ayodhya’s devotees,” he said.
In response, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav took aim at the BJP, mocking the absence of Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya’s name from Diwali advertisements. “Abki baar, Deputy CM baahar,” he quipped, hinting at internal rifts within the ruling party.
Despite the political sparring, the Deepotsav itself remained a sight to behold. The synchronised chants, the glowing expanse of lamps along the river, and the collective spirit of celebration turned Ayodhya into a beacon of light and faith.
Rajbhar summed up the sentiment, saying, “Ayodhya has once again demonstrated to the world the enduring power of faith and tradition. This Deepotsav is more than a celebration — it is a message of peace and cultural continuity.”
