Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 7 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received official recognition for two new Guinness World Records created during the grand Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the Ayodhya District Administration.
The records include the largest display of oil lamps, with 26,17,215 diyas lit along the banks of the Saryu River, and the most people performing simultaneous diya rotation, marking another milestone in Ayodhya’s spiritual and cultural revival under the Yogi Adityanath-led government.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings to the people of the state on Deepotsav 2025 and said the festival has played a pivotal role in shaping a renewed identity for Uttar Pradesh on the global stage.
‘I extend my wishes to the people of the state on Deepotsav 2025. Through this programme of Deepotsav, we have tried to create an identity for Uttar Pradesh. To ensure that the identity of the citizens of Uttar Pradesh is not compromised and no one dares to play with their faith, after the formation of the double-engine government in Uttar Pradesh, we have made continuous efforts,’ the Chief Minister said.
Taking a swipe at previous administrations, the Chief Minister accused them of neglecting Ayodhya’s spiritual importance and dishonouring the sentiments of Ram devotees.
‘Those who used to insult your faith, those who filled the streets of Ayodhya with the blood of Ram devotees and kar sevaks — today, they do not like the Deepotsav programme in Ayodhya. Those who, while in power, kept their distance from Deepotsav, Rangotsav, and Dev Deepawali programmes, used to spend the state’s treasury in the name of Saifai Mahotsav and for the boundary of graveyards,’ CM Yogi said.
Highlighting the scale and inclusivity of this year’s celebration, the Chief Minister noted that more than 26.71 lakh diyas were lit in Ayodhya Dham, crafted by local artisans from the Prajapati and Kumhar communities, underscoring the government’s commitment to empowering traditional potter groups.
‘Today, more than 26,71,000 lamps have been lit in Ayodhya Dham. These lamps were made through the hard work of people belonging to the Prajapati and Kumhar castes of Ayodhya itself. These people did not want these people to get a job,’ he added.
According to officials, over 10,000 volunteers from universities and colleges participated in the diya-lighting and rotational activity. The lamps were arranged in a precise pattern to ensure accurate counting and verification by Guinness World Records representatives.
The Deepotsav, held under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, has become a symbol of faith, unity, and devotion, reinforcing Ayodhya’s position as a global centre of spirituality and tourism.
(ANI)