Ayodhya: The holy city of Ayodhya is poised for a spectacular celebration as it hosts the first Deepotsav following the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of Lord Ramlala’s idol. With over 2.8 million diyas (earthen lamps) set to illuminate the 55 ghats of the sacred Saryu River, the event aims to create a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of diyas lit in one festival. Organized under the guidance of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pratibha Goyal, and with the coordination of more than 30,000 dedicated volunteers, this eighth edition of Deepotsav will showcase a breathtaking display of devotion, scale, and beauty.
Record-Breaking Ambitions and Massive Volunteer Effort
The preparations for Deepotsav 2024 are extensive. A 30-member team, led by Guinness World Record consultant Nischal Barot, is already on-site to count the diyas accurately across the 55 ghats. Volunteers have been meticulously trained, with each assigned to decorate and light between 85 to 90 diyas arranged in blocks of 256 lamps each, forming visually captivating designs across the ghats. The volunteers, backed by a massive support team of over 2,000 supervisors and coordinators, are working to ensure a flawless execution of this grand event.
Symbolic Swastika Design and Festive Decor
One of the focal points of the event is a Swastika design, a symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune, crafted using 80,000 diyas on Ghat No. 10. This intricate design, painstakingly assembled by university volunteers, will radiate a message of hope, peace, and blessings to audiences worldwide, capturing the spirit of Deepotsav as a celebration of light over darkness.
Tight Security and Strict Protocols in Place
To manage the large-scale celebration, security at the ghats has been significantly reinforced. Police personnel, along with university security staff, are stationed at key points to ensure the event’s smooth flow. Only authorized volunteers and officials with valid ID cards will be allowed entry, with strict controls in place.
A Day of Rituals and Global Celebration
On October 30, preparations will begin early, with volunteers carefully filling each diya with oil, provided in one-litre mustard bottles, and setting the wicks before the official lighting in the evening. This careful ritual, overseen by nodal officer Prof. Sant Sharan Mishra, is designed to present Deepotsav on the world stage as a truly grand spectacle. As dusk falls, millions of diyas will light up the Saryu ghats, marking Ayodhya’s Deepotsav as a globally recognized event and a breathtaking tribute to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
