The Light Fantastic: 25 Lakh Diyas Celebrate Diwali in Ayodhya
Well folks, it’s that time of year again when we all light up like it’s our birthday and get a bit teary-eyed reminiscing about the good ol’ days—yes, I’m talking about Diwali! And in Ayodhya, it seems they took “going big” to a whole new level by lighting a staggering 25 lakh (2.5 million) diyas at their grand Deepotsav celebration. That’s a world record, and frankly, it’s also a recipe for a massive fire hazard.
New Delhi: This year, they aimed for a whopping 28 lakh diyas but managed to get exactly 25,12,585 lit. Well, it seems like “close but no cigar” applies here. But hey, in our hearts, they’ll always be the million-lamp club! The dazzling lights along the banks of the Sarayu River created an awe-inspiring spectacle. If you were viewing it from up high, you’d be left wondering if you’ve entered a scene from a Bollywood movie or the next Pixar flick!
Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, chimed in with his thoughts on the phenomenal display: he called it “amazing, incomparable, and unimaginable.” You know it’s serious when even the PM can’t find the right superlative. I’ve seen a few birthday parties and a wedding or two, but lighting 25 lakh diyas has got to be the ultimate “let’s make this night unforgettable” move!
He then went on to say, “This Jyotiparva at the holy birthplace of Ram Lalla… will fill my family members across the country with new enthusiasm.” So basically, he’s urging us all to get a bit more excited about life. Come on, who needs coffee when you have 25 lakh diyas to fuel your enthusiasm?
The event was no mere lights-and-lamps affair; it showcased the rich tapestry of tradition and culture of the holy city. Artists from six different countries graced the stage, making it a global fiesta! Yes, that’s right—Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia came together for a cultural bonanza! Imagine that meta moment when you accidentally swipe left in the middle of a Ramayana performance!
And who do we have pulling the chariot? Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath himself, performing the ‘aarti’. You can just picture him thinking, “What can I do to outshine the diyas? Oh, I know. I’ll just be fabulous on a chariot!” And will someone please tell me how pulling a chariot full of artistes has never made it to one of those extreme sports channels?
The Tourism Department decided to show off with 18 stunning tableaux depicting scenes from the epic Ramcharitmanas. So if you thought your diorama from 5th-grade art class was a highlight, well, takes notes, because these tableaux were on another level.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Lakhs of diyas illuminated along the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya as part of the grand #Deepotsav celebration here.#Diwali2024
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024
In a world of ever-increasing pressures and uncertainties, witnessing such grand displays of unity and culture brings a wave of joy. So next Diwali when you’re 3 diyas short every year but still light a few, just remember: you’re part of something much larger. And if things don’t go as planned, it’s all about the effort, right? Here’s to the spirit of Diwali and to dazzling illuminations that make us believe in the transformational power of light—if only to find that missing remote!
Over 25 lakh diyas lit up Ayodhya on Deepotsav
New Delhi:
The vibrant Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, witnessed an astounding display as over 25 lakh earthen lamps were simultaneously illuminated, establishing a new world record. Over 28 lakh diyas adorned the picturesque banks of the Sarayu river, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle reminiscent of a golden sea when viewed from above.
The meticulous organizers initially aimed to light at least 28 lakh diyas; however, they achieved a remarkable count of precisely 25,12,585 diyas, thus setting a new world record.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marveled at the extraordinary event, calling it “amazing, incomparable and unimaginable.” He extended heartfelt congratulations to the residents of Ayodhya for their magnificent and spiritual celebration of Deepotsav, declaring that the illumination of millions of diyas at the sacred birthplace of Lord Ram would evoke strong emotions and inspire hope and vitality across the nation.
The Deepotsav extravaganza encapsulated the spiritual, traditional, and cultural heritage of Ayodhya, featuring captivating performances by artists from countries such as Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia, along with an engaging Ram Leela presentation from Uttarakhand. Numerous talented artists from various states contributed to the vibrant festivities.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the Deepotsav by performing an ‘aarti’ and playfully pulling the chariot that showcased Ramayana artists performing their acts.
Saket Mahavidyalaya crafted 18 stunning tableaux for this year’s Deepotsav, complemented by 11 tableaux designed by the Information Department and seven created by the Tourism Department.
The tableaux presented by the Tourism Department vividly depicted scenes from Bal Kand, Ayodhya Kand, Aranya Kand, Kishkindha Kand, Sundar Kand, Lanka Kand, and Uttar Kand, as narrated in Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Lakhs of diyas illuminated along the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya as part of the grand #Deepotsav celebration here.#Diwali2024pic.twitter.com/7yd1QxDVZY
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024
Uttar Pradesh Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted that this year marked the first Deepotsav following the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram mandir in Ayodhya, emphasizing the efforts made to elevate the grandeur and sanctity of the celebrations.
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