The holy city of Ayodhya witnessed a record-setting Deepotsav this Diwali, with over 26.17 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) lighting up the banks of the Saryu River and a synchronised aarti performed by 2,128 devotees, earning two Guinness World Records and reaffirming the city’s status as a global spiritual hub.
The shimmering diyas transformed the ghats into a golden river of light. The celebrations were accompanied by sharp political exchanges, particularly between the ruling BJP and the opposition Samajwadi Party.
Guinness World Records officials formally awarded a certificate, validating the scale of the event. Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar described the spectacle as a proud moment for India. “This is more than a festival it’s a reflection of the country’s spiritual unity and cultural pride,” he told IANS.
Rajbhar also addressed political critiques head-on. When questioned about Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s statement that the opposition ‘respects Babar but ignores Ram’, he remarked, “Did any government before 2017 treat Ayodhya with such seriousness? Earlier leaders stayed away out of fear. Our government walks with the people.”
Opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav had earlier dismissed the Deepotsav as political posturing and questioned the exclusion of Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya from official Diwali promotions. ‘Abki baar, Deputy CM baahar’, he quipped, hinting at possible internal discord within the BJP.
Rajbhar, however, brushed off the criticism, calling it the product of a ‘foreign mentality’ and advising Yadav to ‘focus on Bihar elections’.
Despite the political overtones, the event itself captivated onlookers. Chief Minister Adityanath, who presided over the celebration, received applause for his remarks asserting a cultural revival under his leadership.
The mass aarti, echoing chants, and glowing expanse of diyas together offered a striking image of faith, festivity, and tradition. This firmly positioned Ayodhya’s Deepotsav as both a spiritual and national statement.
