The Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya for 2024 promises to be a historic spectacle as the Uttar Pradesh government is aiming for a Guinness World Record by lighting nearly 2.8 million diyas at the Ram Temple. This extraordinary attempt is not just about illuminating the temple but also symbolizing unity and devotion. Additionally, a second record will be pursued during the festival’s aarti at Saryu Ghat, where over 1,100 people are set to gather and perform the largest collective aarti ever recorded. This celebration combines spiritual fervor with a significant cultural event, potentially setting multiple global records and creating unforgettable memories for attendees.
Ayodhya Deepotsav
Deepotsav 2024 in Ayodhya is set to be a grand spectacle, marking the first celebration since the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of the Ram Temple. This five-day festival, celebrating Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, will see a series of record-breaking events, cultural displays, and extensive security measures. Here’s an overview of the major highlights:
- Record-Breaking Diyas and Aarti: In an attempt to create two new Guinness World Records, over 28 lakh diyas (lamps) will be lit across 55 ghats of the Saryu River, while a collective aarti with 1,100 Vedacharyas will be held. A 30-member Guinness team, using drones, will verify the diya count.
- Significant Attendance: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend, while artists from six countries and 16 Indian states will participate in an 18-tableau Shobha Yatra, showcasing Ayodhya’s cultural diversity.
- Volunteer and Security Arrangements: Over 30,000 volunteers will assist in the diya-lighting efforts, supported by a strong security presence of around 10,000 personnel. Key routes are pass-restricted, and LED screens across Ayodhya will display the festivities to accommodate large crowds.
- Prime Minister’s Announcement: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called this Diwali historic, celebrating it as the first since the 500-year wait for Ram Temple’s construction. He extended an invitation to witness Ayodhya’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
- Environmental Initiatives: Low-soot lamps and 1.5 lakh “Gau Deep” from the Animal Husbandry Department are among the eco-friendly initiatives to minimize environmental impact. Wax lamps will be used outside the main temple to maintain cleanliness and protect the structure.
- Virtual Engagement: The ‘Ek Diya Ram ke Naam’ initiative invites virtual diya lighting via the Divya Ayodhya app, letting devotees worldwide participate in the celebrations.
Deepotsav 2024 exemplifies Ayodhya’s spiritual essence and growing global appeal, blending deep-rooted tradition with modern record-breaking endeavors.