Ayodhya Deepotsav 2024: A Festival of Records and Reverence

Ayodhya's Deepotsav 2024 saw vibrant celebrations with fireworks, record-breaking diya displays, and the first festival since Ram Lalla's ceremony. Highlights included a laser show, Ram Leela narration, and 18 tableaux depicting Lord Ram's life, fostering unity and celebrating cultural heritage.

Ayodhya's skies sparkled with fireworks on Wednesday as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat participated in the Deepotsav celebrations. This year's festival marked the first since the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's temple.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received certificates for two new Guinness World Records during the event. These included the most people performing simultaneous 'diya' rotations and the largest display of oil lamps, with 25,12,585 diyas lighting up the night. The Department of Tourism in conjunction with the Ayodhya District Administration organized these remarkable feats. The festival featured a laser and light show at Saryu Ghat, with the banks illuminated by vibrant diyas.

Thousands gathered at the Saryu River, where 25 lakh diyas symbolized light's victory over darkness. The Ayodhya Deepotsav has become a signature event, showcasing 18 tableaux illustrating key moments from Lord Ram's life. Diwali this year was particularly special as it was celebrated with Lord Ram in his grand temple after 500 years, noted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(With inputs from agencies.)