A man lights an earthen lamp during Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya last year
The sacred city of Ayodhya is once again set to script history this Diwali as it embarks on a record-breaking celebration of lights and devotion. With over 2.6 million oil lamps (diyas) planned to be lit across the ghats of the Sarayu River, and a Maha Aarti performed by 2,100 devotees, the 2025 edition of Deepotsav is expected to surpass all previous records and redefine the grandeur of India’s most spiritual festival.
A team from the Guinness World Records (GWR) is already stationed in Ayodhya to oversee and validate the attempt. This year, the celebrations are designed not only to outshine last year’s record of 2.5 million diyas but to expand in scale, precision, and participation.
“We are not just repeating history, we are creating it anew,” said Nishchal Barul, advisor to the Guinness team overseeing the record attempt.
An army of 35,000 volunteers from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University is working tirelessly to prepare for the lighting of 2,611,101 diyas along the Ram Ki Paidi ghats, the spiritual heart of Ayodhya’s celebrations.
This year’s illumination will stretch beyond the traditional ghats to newly developed areas like Laxman Kila Ghat, Rajghat, and Guptarghat, expanding the Deepotsav’s footprint to every corner of the temple city.
Last year, Ayodhya had set a world record with over 2.5 million diyas, but this year’s target of nearly 2.9 million diyas aims to elevate the spectacle into an unprecedented global event of faith and unity.
The Guinness World Records team, consisting of about 150 experts, has deployed advanced technology to ensure the most accurate verification process.
Barul explained that their three-tier verification system involves:
Dry runs to check logistics and diya placement,
High-resolution drone mapping for aerial verification, and
Digital auditing software that counts every diya in real time.
“We are combining traditional devotion with modern technology. Every diya will be digitally verified to ensure full transparency,” Barul said.
The verification team will rely on aerial imagery, live surveillance, and geotagging to confirm the total number of lit diyas before declaring the official world record.
Alongside the record-breaking illumination, Ayodhya is also attempting another world record, a mass Maha Aarti on the banks of the Sarayu River involving 2,100 devotees performing the ritual in unison.
A dedicated coordination team of 190 members has been training participants, conducting dry runs and rehearsals to ensure synchronisation and safety. Special software has been developed to track each participant’s movement and maintain real-time attendance verification during the ritual.
“We are using drone footage, digital monitoring, and biometric check-ins to ensure the authenticity of the record,” Barul added.
Since its inception in 2017, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav has evolved from a regional religious event to a global celebration of devotion and culture. What began with 1.71 lakh diyas has now expanded nearly fifteenfold, turning Ayodhya into the “City of Eternal Light.”
Beyond its visual splendour, the festival serves as a symbol of unity and revival of India’s spiritual heritage, bringing together students, priests, volunteers, artisans, and international guests under one collective expression of faith.
The event also provides a major economic boost to local artisans, potters, and small vendors, many of whom depend on Deepotsav for their annual livelihood.
As Diwali night approaches, anticipation is high not just in India but among global observers eager to witness Ayodhya’s spectacular attempt. The grand finale will see the entire stretch of Ram Ki Paidi bathed in the golden glow of millions of diyas, reflecting off the serene waters of the Sarayu, a visual testament to devotion, discipline, and faith.
With the Guinness team already in place and preparations nearing completion, Ayodhya is ready once again to illuminate not just its ghats but the global stage.
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