Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years, and this divine scene was recreated on Sunday evening during the grand Ayodhya Deepotsav. In the temple town of Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya, more than 15 lakh diyas were lit up on the Saryu riverbank, presenting a mesmerising view to cherish for years. Volunteers from the Avadh University of Uttar Pradesh broke the Guinness Book of World Records by lighting the most diyas on Ram ki Paidi ghats during the Ayodhya Diwali celebration. All this was conducted in the presence of UP’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel and a crowd at the Ram Katha Park. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present at the Ayodhya Deepotsav 2022 when fireworks and laser shows were going on.
More than 20,000 volunteers were involved in lighting the record-breaking number of diyas, and all the lamps were placed at significant intersections and spots in the town. Ayodhya Diya Record 2022 was marked when representatives from Guinness World Records handed over the certificate to Uttar Pradesh’s CM, Yogi Adityanath. As the representatives announced the establishment of the world record, the city echoed the mantra of ‘JAI SHRI RAM’. Later, Narendra Modi congratulated Yogi Adityanath for the achievement, and they both displayed the certificate to the audience.
The entire scene of the reflection of 15 lakh+ diyas in the Saryu River offered an awe-inspiring view and the laser show, along with fireworks, lit up the sky. Not only this, but the entire Ayodhya rose at the same moment to chant ‘JAI SHRI RAM’. It is notable that, Deepotsav started back in 2017 with 1.71 lakhs diyas near the Saryu River, and this number is continuously increasing year after year, with 3.01 lakhs in 2018, 4.04 lakhs in 2019, 6.06 lakhs in 2020, 9.41 lakhs in 2021 and now the Guinness World Record in 2022.
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Soon after his arrival on Sunday evening in Ayodhya, PM Narendra Modi participated in the Ayodhya Deepotsav by offering prayers and lighting five diyas of ghee at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. Later, he was accompanied by Governor Anandiben Patel and CM Yogi to inspect the construction work at the temple site. Modi Ji interacted with the construction team and then went to the Ram Katha Park, where he did ‘Abhishek’ of Lord Rama.
Narendra Modi even addressed the gathering and said that Lord Rama belongs to the entire India, and every countryman must follow the path shown by Lord Ram. He further added that everyone must take some learning from Lord Rama. ‘Our constitution also talks about inclusiveness and fundamental rights and duties. This Diwali is special for all of us because it comes in ‘Amrit Kaal’, which marks 75 years of independence,’ Modi Ji said.
Speaking at the Ayodhya Deepotsav 2022, Yogi Adityanath said that it was the complete inspiration of Narendra Modi that he started the Deepotsav Programme in 2017. Yogi believes this event is becoming bigger and grand with each passing year. He added that the upcoming Krishna corridor in Mathura and Vishwanath Dham corridor are also projects completed with PM’s guidance and inspiration.
At the conclusion of the Ayodhya Diwali celebration, the UP government paid respect to the Late Lata Mangeshkar while Lord Ram’s bhajans from Lata Ji’s repertoire played in the background.
