- By Akansha Pandey
- Fri, 05 Sep 2025 11:54 AM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Ayodhya is preparing to celebrate its annual Deepotsav (Festival of Lamps) on October 19 with more grandeur than ever before. However, in a significant change this year, there will likely be no attempt to set a new world record for lighting the most diyas (traditional earthen lamps).
For the last seven years, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has successfully set a new Guinness World Record at Deepotsav, breaking its own record each year. This year, a decision was made to reallocate the funds spent on the world record process.
The money saved from the record attempt—which includes a 5 dollars application fee and a 10,000 dollars professional expense for official judges—will be used to organize a spectacular show featuring 1,000 drones, making the event even more attractive for tourists and devotees.
A Legacy of Seven World Records
The grand Deepotsav celebration was started in 2017 after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government came to power. Since then, it has achieved seven world records.
Last year alone, two records were set:
- Most Lamps Lit: A staggering 2,512,585 lamps were lit by 30,000 volunteers across 55 ghats (riverfront steps) on the Saryu River.
- Largest Mahaarti: A total of 1,121 priests performed a synchronized Mahaarti (a grand ritual of worship with lamps) on the banks of the Saryu.
Final Decision Awaits CM's Approval
While the initial decision to skip the record attempt was made in a meeting chaired by the Tourism Minister, the final official decision is still pending. It will be confirmed in an upcoming meeting on Deepotsav preparations, which will be chaired by the Chief Minister.
Also Read: UP PET 2025 Exam: All You Need to Know As 2.5 Million Candidates Appear Tomorrow
Deepotsav by the Numbers: Lamps Lit Over the Years
Here’s a look at how the scale of the event has grown since its inception:
- 2017: 171,000
- 2018: 301,000
- 2019: 404,000
- 2020: 606,000
- 2021: 941,000
- 2022: 1,576,000
- 2023: 2,223,000
- 2024: 2,512,585
Also Read: Lalbaugcha Raja 2025 Visarjan Date And Time; Check Schedule, Procession Route And Rituals
