Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025 Lights Up with 26 Lakh Diyas
The sacred city of Ayodhya glowed in divine splendour on Diwali 2025, as over 26 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) lit up the banks of the Saryu River, creating a mesmerising river of light. Organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Department, the ninth edition of the Deepotsav festival celebrated Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile.
Thousands of devotees, pilgrims, and international tourists flocked to the city to witness the grand spectacle. The event, inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, highlighted Ayodhya’s transformation into a global symbol of faith, unity, and cultural pride.
Two Guinness World Records Crown Ayodhya’s Diwali
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025 etched its name into the Guinness World Records with two remarkable achievements:
- Most People Performing Simultaneous Diya Rotations – symbolising harmony and devotion.
- Largest Display of Oil Lamps – with a record-breaking 26,17,215 diyas illuminating the ghats.
The record-setting event was meticulously coordinated by the Tourism Department, Ayodhya Development Authority, and District Administration. Beyond Ayodhya, the Diwali spirit spread across Uttar Pradesh, with over 1.51 crore diyas lighting homes, temples, and streets, turning the entire state into a glowing tapestry of devotion.
Saryu Aarti, Ram Leela, and Dazzling Drone Display
The heart of the celebrations was the Saryu Aarti, performed by more than 2,100 scholars, whose chants and rituals filled the air with divinity. The shimmering reflection of millions of lamps transformed the Saryu River into a vision of celestial beauty.
A spectacular Ram Leela performance captivated the audience, re-enacting key moments from the Ramayana using laser lights, 3D projection mapping, and drone formations. Over 1,100 drones illuminated the night sky, crafting intricate visuals — from Lord Ram’s coronation to his return from exile — blending mythology with modern technology.
As fireworks burst above, the skyline mirrored the glowing ghats below, symbolising the victory of light over darkness.
Yogi Adityanath’s Message of Faith and National Unity
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the ‘Rajyabhishek’ ceremony of Lord Ram and Sita, followed by pujan, vandana, and aarti. In his address, he praised Ayodhya’s evolution into a beacon of faith and peace.
“Today, we light lamps where once bullets were fired,” he said. “Ayodhya stands as the pride of a united, new India.”
Adityanath highlighted the nearing completion of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, calling it a symbol of India’s cultural resurgence and spiritual leadership. He also emphasised Ayodhya’s growing global importance as a centre for religious tourism and cultural diplomacy.
Ramayana Tableau Parade Showcases India’s Cultural Diversity
Before dusk, the festival began with a grand Ramayana tableau procession, inaugurated by Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh. The parade, starting from Saket College, featured 22 beautifully decorated tableaux, each depicting episodes from the seven Kandas of the Ramayana — from Balakanda to Uttarakanda.
The streets came alive with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” as devotees showered flower petals and lit diyas. Folk artists from across India showcased traditional performances, including Kathakali from Kerala, Bhangra from Punjab, Phaag from Haryana, Sambalpuri dance from Odisha, and Jhumar from Rajasthan. The vibrant display celebrated India’s unity in diversity through art and devotion.
Ayodhya’s Spiritual Glow Captures Global Attention
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav has evolved from a regional religious festival into an international cultural phenomenon, attracting visitors from around the world. With the grand Ram Temple nearing inauguration, the city has become a focal point of India’s spiritual and tourism map.
This year’s record-breaking celebration not only honoured the divine return of Lord Ram but also showcased how tradition and technology can merge to create moments of global awe.