Combining the detailed account of Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations with the significance of the Ram Temple construction, we get the following narrative:
“Ayodhya, a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, recently set a new world record during its Deepotsav celebrations. On the eve of Diwali, a staggering 22.23 lakh earthen lamps, known as diyas, were lit along the banks of the Saryu River, breaking the city’s previous record.
Deepotsav, a festival of lights, has been an annual tradition in Ayodhya since 2017, growing in scale each year. The event started modestly with 51,000 diyas and has seen a remarkable increase over the years. In 2019, the count reached 4.10 lakh, and by 2021, it was over 9 lakh. The 2022 celebration marked a significant jump, with more than 17 lakh diyas glowing along the ghats of Ram ki Pairi. However, for Guinness World Record recognition, only those diyas that remained lit for at least five minutes were counted, setting the record at 15,76,955.
The Deepotsav celebrations this year included a procession featuring eighteen tableaux. These showcased themes from the Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas, as well as contemporary social issues like children’s rights, women’s safety, environmental protection, and technological advancements. Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh flagged off the procession, which began at Udaya Square and concluded at the Ram Katha Park.
The 2023 Deepotsav in Ayodhya was exceptionally momentous as it aligned with the construction of the Ram Temple, a landmark project in the city. The temple, eagerly awaited by many, is set to open on January 22, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi anticipated to be in attendance. This year’s Deepotsav not only highlighted Ayodhya’s deep-rooted cultural heritage but also showcased its progression towards modernity, symbolizing a unique fusion of age-old traditions and modern developments.”
