Ayodhya’s Deepotsav 2024: A Record-Breaking Celebration
Ayodhya, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, made history during the ‘Deepotsav-2024’ celebrations by setting two Guinness World Records. The event, organized by the Ayodhya district administration and the Department of Tourism, saw over 25 lakh diyas (oil lamps) illuminating the Saryu River, marking the largest display of oil lamps ever recorded. Additionally, a record was set for the most people performing ‘diya’ rotation simultaneously.
Grand Celebrations
The celebrations were attended by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who received two certificates from Guinness World Records. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak were also present. The festivities included laser and light shows, a sound and light show narrating the Ram Leela, a drone show, and fireworks at Saryu Ghat.
Significance of Deepotsav
This year’s Deepotsav was the first since the ‘Pran Pratistha’ of Ram Lala at the Ayodhya temple. The five-day festival commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, highlighting the city’s cultural and spiritual significance. The event attracted millions of devotees and tourists.
Leadership and Vision
CM Yogi Adityanath led the celebrations, emphasizing the transformation of Ayodhya and Kashi as examples of Sanatan Dharma’s resurgence. He warned that anyone hindering humanity and development would face consequences similar to those experienced by Uttar Pradesh’s mafia. The Chief Minister also launched a tourism app and released a book by the Ayodhya Mayor.
Doubts Revealed
Ayodhya -: Ayodhya is a city in India, known for its religious and historical significance, especially in Hinduism as the birthplace of Lord Rama.
Deepotsav -: Deepotsav is a festival of lights celebrated in Ayodhya to honor the return of Lord Rama, an important figure in Hindu mythology, after defeating the demon king Ravana.
Guinness World Records -: Guinness World Records is a book that lists amazing and extraordinary achievements from around the world, like the most lights lit at once.
25 Lakh Diyas -: 25 lakh diyas means 2.5 million small oil lamps, which are lit to create a beautiful display of lights during the festival.
Saryu River -: The Saryu River is a river that flows through Ayodhya, and it is considered sacred in Hinduism.
Yogi Adityanath -: Yogi Adityanath is the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, a state in India, and he is a political leader who helps govern the state.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat -: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is a member of the Indian government who works at the national level, helping to manage water resources.
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak -: Brajesh Pathak is the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, assisting the Chief Minister in running the state.
Lord Rama -: Lord Rama is a major deity in Hinduism, known for his virtues and as the hero of the epic story Ramayana.
Tourism app -: A tourism app is a mobile application that helps people find information about places to visit, things to do, and how to get around when traveling.