In Ayodhya on Wednesday, the seventh Deepotsav event set two Guinness World Records: the largest display of oil lights and the most individuals doing “aarti” simultaneously.
On the banks of the Saryu River in the holy city, 55 ghats, including Ram ki Paidi, set two records. There were 1,121’vedacharyas’ (teachers of religious scriptures) performing ‘aarti’ at the same time, and almost 25 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) lit collectively. Drones were used in the diya counting process.
Guinness World Records adjudicator Pravin Patel made the announcement of the new records here on Wednesday night after traveling to Ayodhya with Guinness Consultant Nischal Bharot for verification. Patel declared, “You hold the Guinness World Record for the most persons doing diya rotations at the same time, with 1,121, UP Tourism, Ayodhya District Administration, and Saryu Aarti Samiti. Well done!”
The Guinness judge commented on the second record, “With a total of 25,12,585, which translates into just over 25 lakh, UP Tourism, Govt of UP, District Administration of Ayodhya, and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, you are the new Guinness World Records title holder for the largest display of oil lamps!”
Patel said, “I am ‘absolutely delighted’ to confirm two Guinness World Records. Most people performing diya rotations (aarti) simultaneously” is a new record. This could not have been set up with just one diya so a minimum target of 250 was set. The previous record for the largest oil lamp display was 22,23,676. This was accomplished in 2023 during the Deepotsav. Although having the figures is crucial, it’s equally critical that you adhere to the rules. For both records, you have complied with the requirements”.
Since 2017, Ayodhya has held Deepotsav, a luminous event characterized by the burning of diyas, on the banks of the Saryu river, which flows through the sacred town known as the birthplace of Lord Ram, one day before Diwali.
The UP government claims that the record was largely created by the teachers and students of Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University and its affiliated colleges, as well as by volunteers, saints, local public officials, local administration, the ministry of tourism and culture, and others.
Following drone computations, a Guinness World Records representative verified the milestone. According to a statement, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated Ayodhya, the state, and the country on “this unforgettable achievement” after obtaining the certificate.
With 1.71 lakh diyas lit in 2017, 3.01 lakh in 2018, 4.04 lakh in 2019, 6.06 lakh in 2020, 9.41 lakh in 2021, 15.76 lakh in 2022, and 22.23 lakh in 2023, the Deepotsav’s scale has increased over time. “This year, over 25.12 lakh diyas were lit, symbolising the prosperity and growing pride of the state under the Yogi government,” it stated.
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