North News
New Delhi, October 30
The Uttar Pradesh government is set to make history this Deepotsav, aiming to light nearly 28 lakh diyas at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple on Wednesday as part of a Guinness World Record attempt. Additionally, over 1,100 people are expected to perform the largest aarti together at Saryu Ghat, marking the first Deepotsav since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir.
UP Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted the scale of the festival, stating, “Every effort has been made to give grandeur and divinity to this program.” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended an invitation for the event, which celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and is set to break multiple records, with artists from various countries joining the celebrations, the news outlet The Hindustan Times reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized the historic nature of this year’s Diwali, noting the festival will illuminate the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya after 500 years. More than 30,000 volunteers are mobilized to support the lighting of 28 lakh diyas across 55 ghats, including key locations such as New Ghat and Old Ghat. A team from Guinness World Records is monitoring the lighting event using drones, aiming to verify two records: the aarti at Saryu Ghat and the total diya count, the news outlet said.
Security remains tight, with around 10,000 personnel deployed and routes restricted to pass holders. Environmental awareness is emphasized with the use of low-soot lamps and the lighting of 1,50,000 “Gau Deep” by the Animal Husbandry Department. Retired Inspector General Ashu Shukla is overseeing the diya decoration to ensure no damage to temple structures. Virtual diya lighting is also encouraged through the ‘Ek Diya Ram ke Naam’ initiative on the Divya Ayodhya app.
