Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 30 (ANI): Ayodhya made history during the 'Deepotsav-2024' celebrations on Wednesday evening by setting two Guinness World Records.
The Ayodhya district administration, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, illuminated the Saryu River with over 25 lakh diya, marking the largest display of oil lamps ever recorded. Another record was made for the most people performing 'diya' rotation simultaneously. 
"The two Guinness World Records were made for the largest display of oil lamps, with 2,512,585 diyas lit by the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the Ayodhya district administration, and for the most people performing 'diya' rotation simultaneously," officials said. 
UP Chief Minister Yogi received two certificates from Guinness World Records for the records set during the 'Deepotsav' celebrations in Ayodhya. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak were also present.
As part of the grand Deepotsav celebration, thousands of diyas were illuminated along the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya.
The festivities included laser and light shows at Saryu Ghat, with the ghat adorned in diyas and colourful lights. A sound and light show narrated the Ram Leela. 
In addition, a drone show was held at Saryu Ghat, and fireworks were set off as part of the Deepotsav celebrations. 
This year's Deepotsav, the first since the 'Pran Pratistha' of Ram Lala at Ayodhya temple, featured 18 vibrant tableaux depicting key moments from Lord Ram's life, created by the Information and Tourism Departments.
The five-day festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The event highlights Ayodhya's cultural and spiritual significance, attracting millions of devotees and tourists. 
UP CM Yogi Adityanath led the celebrations, pulling a chariot carrying artists portraying Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, symbolising Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Deputy CMs Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya, was also present during the celebrations.
CM Yogi emphasized that anyone hindering humanity and development would face consequences similar to those experienced by Uttar Pradesh's mafia. He highlighted the transformation of Ayodhya and Kashi, presenting them as shining examples of the resurgence of Sanatan Dharma.
He highlighted the transformation of Ayodhya and Kashi, citing them as shining examples of Sanatan Dharma's resurgence.
"Anyone who will become a barrier in the path of humanity and development, their fate will be like that of the mafias of Uttar Pradesh. Today Ayodhya is shining. Ayodhya is the beginning of Sanatan Dharma. Today our Kashi is shining. The world is seeing the grand Kashi," CM Yogi said.
Applauding the double-engine government of the state, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government delivers on its promises.
He recalled the Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya eight years ago, mentioning the enthusiastic crowd chanting, "Yogi ji, ek kaam karo, mandir ka nirman karo," and said, "I had reassured them and said, 'Keep faith; the diyas you light today represent the faith of Sanatan Dharma. Lord Ram's blessings will surely be upon us."
CM Yogi also launched the tourism app and released the book written by Ayodhya Mayor on the occasion. (ANI)
