Ayodhya, India, set a new Guinness World Record by lighting over 2.6 million earthen lamps during Diwali celebrations, highlighting the festival’s cultural significance and drawing global attention to the temple town’s grand festivities. The event, part of the annual Deepotsav, showcased mass participation and devotion, reinforcing Ayodhya’s identity as a spiritual hub while addressing broader themes of tradition and modernity.
On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the northern Indian city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh transformed into a sea of light as millions of diyas illuminated its streets and riverbanks. Organized by the state government’s tourism and culture department, the Deepotsav festival marked its ninth edition with a focus on celebrating Lord Ram’s life and legacy. Thousands of devotees gathered along the banks of the River Saryu to witness the spectacle, which included ceremonial rituals and vibrant processions. The atmosphere was charged with devotion and excitement, underscoring Diwali’s role as one of Hinduism’s most important festivals.
The record-breaking achievement involved the precise lighting of 2,617,215 oil lamps, verified by Guinness World Records as the largest display of its kind. Additionally, a second record was set for the most people performing simultaneous diya rotations, emphasizing the communal effort and coordination required. Officials from the district administration and Ayodhya authorities worked together to ensure the event’s success, with the lamps arranged in intricate patterns that enhanced the visual appeal. This feat surpassed previous attempts and highlighted the scale of participation from local residents and volunteers.
Beyond the lamp lighting, the festivities featured a rich array of cultural performances and displays. A grand procession of 22 Ramayana-themed tableaux moved along the Rampath, depicting episodes from all seven Kandas of the epic, from Balakanda to Uttarakanda. Folk arts from across India, including Kerala’s Kathakali, Rajasthan’s Jhumar, and Punjab’s Bhangra, added a pan-Indian flavor to the celebrations. Laser and drone shows, with 1,100 drones performing synchronized stunts over the Saryu River, created mesmerizing patterns that captivated audiences and complemented the traditional elements.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the event, performing rituals such as the ‘Rajyabhishek’ of Ram and Sita and addressing the crowd with remarks on Ayodhya’s transformation. He emphasized the city’s evolution from a site of past conflicts to a center of heritage and development, praising the newly constructed Ram temple as a symbol of India’s unity and spiritual leadership. His speech also included critiques of opposition parties, framing the celebrations within a broader political and cultural narrative. The involvement of state leaders added a layer of significance, linking the event to regional identity and governance.
Diwali celebrations extended nationwide, with families engaging in traditional practices like cleaning homes, exchanging sweets, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. However, the festival also raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding air pollution from firecrackers. In Delhi, the Supreme Court permitted the use of ‘green crackers’ to reduce emissions by 20-30%, though enforcement challenges persist. This context highlights the balance between cultural observance and public health, with authorities striving to mitigate impacts while preserving festive joy.
The economic impact of Diwali was evident in bustling markets across India, where sales of sweets, gifts, and decorations provided a significant boost to local economies. In Ayodhya, the record-setting event enhanced tourism and local pride, with officials noting its potential to attract more visitors in the future. The integration of cultural devotion with modern elements, such as drone technology, demonstrated a forward-looking approach to tradition. This synergy aims to position Ayodhya as a global cultural destination, fostering both spiritual and economic growth.
As the festivities concluded, the success of Deepotsav 2025 set a precedent for future celebrations, blending devotion with spectacle to promote communal harmony. The world records not only celebrate Diwali’s essence but also underscore India’s ability to achieve grand milestones through collective effort. Moving forward, plans are underway to expand the event’s scale and inclusivity, ensuring it remains a highlight of the cultural calendar while addressing environmental and social considerations for sustainable celebrations.