**The sacred city lights up the Saryu, setting new benchmarks for devotion and grandeur.** **Ayodhya, October 20, 2025** — The ancient city of Ayodhya once again etched its name in the annals of history, transforming into a breathtaking sea of light with an astounding display of over 2.6 million earthen lamps during its annual Deepotsav festival. This spectacular event, held on October 19, 2025, not only broke its own previous Guinness World Record for the largest display of oil lamps but also set another record for the most people performing 'aarti' simultaneously. ^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}This year's Deepotsav, the ninth edition of the festival, saw a staggering 26,17,215 (2.617 million) diyas illuminating the ghats of the Saryu River, including the iconic Ram Ki Paidi. T^{[2][3][4][5][6]}he mesmerizing glow, verified by Guinness World Records adjudicators using drones, marked a profound celebration of Lord Ram's homecoming and showcased Ayodhya's burgeoning role as a global spiritual and cultural hub. ^[1][2][5][7]### The Full Story The Deepotsav celebrations, which commenced in 2017, have grown exponentially, becoming a cornerstone of Uttar Pradesh's cultural revival under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership. T^[8][9][10]his year's grand spectacle on October 19, 2025, was a meticulously planned event involving approximately 33,000 volunteers from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University and various other organizations. T^[4][11]hese dedicated individuals worked tirelessly to arrange and light the millions of lamps across 56 ghats, ensuring each diya burned brightly for the record attempt. ^[4][12][7]But here's the thing: it wasn't just about the lamps. During the Deepotsav, another remarkable feat unfolded as 2,128 people came together to perform a synchronized 'aarti' on the banks of the Saryu, also earning a new Guinness World Record. U^{[2][3][4][5][6]}ttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat presented the Guinness certificates to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who himself lit the first lamp at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. T^[2][4][5]he event was a vibrant tapestry of cultural performances, including Ram Lila, and a dazzling drone and laser light show that illuminated the night sky, captivating thousands of onlookers. ^[13][5]This annual festival commemorates the mythical return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. W^[8][14][15]hat started with 1.71 lakh (171,000) diyas in 2017 has steadily climbed, breaking its own records year after year, with 2.22 million in 2023 and 2.51 million in 2024, culminating in this year's record-smashing 2.617 million. ^[2][5]### What This Means The Deepotsav is far more than just a religious festival; it's a powerful engine driving cultural resurgence and economic growth for Ayodhya and the wider Uttar Pradesh region. T^[1][16]he immense scale of the event draws millions of pilgrims and tourists from across India and around the globe, providing a significant boost to local businesses, artisans, and the hospitality sector. W^[8][1][17]omen's self-help groups, for instance, have found new opportunities, earning substantial income by crafting eco-friendly lamps for the festival. ^[18]What's more, the continuous record-breaking achievements reinforce Ayodhya's position on the world stage, transforming it into a premier global spiritual and cultural destination. T^{[8][1][19][17][11]}he city has seen an extraordinary surge in tourism, with over 23.82 crore visitors between January and June 2025 alone, demonstrating the festival's profound impact on local livelihoods and regional development. ^[17][11]**Key Points:** * Ayodhya lit 26,17,215 (2.617 million) diyas on October 19, 2025, setting a new Guinness World Record. *^{[2][3][4][5][6]} A second Guinness World Record was achieved for 2,128 people performing 'aarti' simultaneously. *^{[2][3][4][5][6]} The event involved approximately 33,000 volunteers. *^[4][11] Deepotsav has significantly boosted tourism and local economy, attracting millions of visitors. *^{[8][1][17][11]} Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received the official Guinness certificates. ^[2][4][5]### The Bigger Picture Ayodhya's Deepotsav is a shining example of how traditional cultural events can be reimagined and scaled to achieve global recognition, fostering both spiritual devotion and economic prosperity. The festival's consistent growth in the number of diyas lit each year, from 1.71 lakh in 2017 to over 26 lakh today, tells a story of unwavering dedication and community spirit. I^[2][5]t highlights a broader trend in India where cultural heritage is being actively promoted to attract tourism and integrate local communities into economic development. ^[8][16]The event also underscores the power of collective effort, with thousands of volunteers, local administration, and cultural organizations working hand-in-hand. T^[7]his collaborative spirit not only ensures the grandeur of the festival but also strengthens community bonds, showcasing India's rich traditions to a global audience. ^[1]### What Happens Next? With the Ram Temple now a reality and the Deepotsav growing in scale and global appeal, Ayodhya is poised for even greater transformation. The city is rapidly evolving with robust infrastructure development, including new highways, an international airport, and a revamped railway station, all designed to accommodate the ever-increasing influx of visitors. ^[11][20]Expect Ayodhya to continue breaking its own records in future Deepotsav celebrations, further solidifying its status as a major international pilgrimage and tourism destination. The focus will likely remain on integrating faith, culture, and sustainable development, ensuring that the festival not only dazzles the world but also enriches the lives of its residents. The radiant glow from these millions of diyas isn't just a fleeting spectacle; it's a beacon for Ayodhya's bright future.