Ayodhya’s Deepotsav 2025: Ayodhya witnessed a breathtaking spectacle during its ninth annual Deepotsav festival on October 19, 2025, as over 26 lakh (2.6 million) diyas illuminated the holy city, creating a mesmerizing river of light along the banks of the Saryu River. This grand celebration set two new Guinness World Records—one for the largest display of oil lamps and another for the most people performing a synchronized aarti, with 2,128 Vedic scholars participating simultaneously.
The festival, organized by Uttar Pradesh’s Department of Tourism, the Ayodhya administration, and allied cultural institutions, has grown from humble beginnings in 2017, when just 1.71 lakh diyas were lit. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the event has expanded each year, symbolizing a revival of India’s ancient cultural heritage and the spiritual legacy of Lord Ram. This year, 56 ghats including the iconic Ram Ki Paidi were decorated with creative lighting, complemented by cultural performances such as Ramayana-themed tableaux, a grand Ram Leela, drone shows, laser light displays, and fireworks.
More than 33,000 volunteers, including local artisans who handcrafted nearly 16 lakh diyas, contributed to this historic event. Over 73,000 liters of oil and 55 lakh cotton wicks fueled the lighting, while drone technology verified the records. The synchronized aarti by scholars created a powerful spiritual ambiance that united thousands of devotees in shared faith.
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav continues to be a symbol of cultural resurgence, community spirit, and faith, drawing millions of pilgrims and tourists to the city every year. It not only celebrates the triumph of light over darkness but also boosts the local economy by promoting tourism and sustaining traditional crafts. As night fell, the golden glow of millions of diyas illuminated Ayodhya’s ghats, reinforcing the city’s status as a beacon of Indian spirituality and heritage.
