IN PICS: Ayodhya’s Deepotsav breaks its own Guinness record with 15.76 lakh diyas

Ayodhya, Oct 24: Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya set a new Guinness World Record for lighting the maximum number of earthen lamps - over 15 lakh- on the banks of the Saryu as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the historic Deepotsav celebrations on Sunday, on the eve of the festival of Diwali.

 

 

 

Thousands of devotees, general public, dignitaries witnessed this historic event. The teachers and students of Awadh University, Ayodhya contributed largely to creating the record. Over 15.76 lakh earthen lamps were lit one by one with the chanting of 'Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram' as soon as the PM launched the festival.

 

 

As the representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records announced the establishment of the record, the entire city of Ayodhya echoed with the chants of 'Jai Shri Ram.' The Chief Minister received the certificate, and the Prime Minister congratulated him on the achievement.

 

 

It is noteworthy that as many as 1.71 lakh lamps were lit in 2017, the year Deepotsav started in Uttar Pradesh under the Yogi Adityanath government. Since then the number is continuously increasing to 3.01 lakh in 2018, 4.04 lakh in 2019, 6.06 lakh in 2020, and 9.41 lakh in 2021.

Beginning his speech with ‘Jai Shri Ram’, Modi addressed a gathering on the occasion of Deepotsav. “From the holy birthplace of Lord Ram, I pass on Diwali wishes to my countrymen,” PM Modi said.

 

 

PM Modi also said people have to learn as much as they can from Lord Ram. “Lord Ram doesn't leave anyone behind, doesn't turn away from anyone,” PM Modi said.

 

 

Earlier, Modi offered prayers to Ram Lalla at Ram Janmbhoomi in Ayodhya. This is Modi's first visit to Ayodhya after a "bhoomi pujan" for the construction of a Ram temple on August 5, 2020. “I got the opportunity of Lord Ram's darshan due to his blessings; happy that people across the world watching Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya,” Modi said.