Ayodhya Deepotsav 2024: key attendees and highlights of today’s celebrations

This year’s Deepotsav festival in Ayodhya is special, as it’s the first Diwali since the consecration of the Ram Temple in January and marks the event's eighth edition. Festivities began with a grand procession featuring over a dozen tableaux showcasing scenes from the Ramayana along Ayodhya’s Ram Path. Classical dancers from across India performed, as locals showered them with flower petals, adding to the festive atmosphere. Participants from states like Jammu and Kashmir expressed pride in representing their culture at such a meaningful celebration.

Record-setting Diyas and performances

The Uttar Pradesh government plans to set a new record by lighting over 28 lakh diyas along the banks of the Saryu River, turning it into a sea of lights. Artists from countries like Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand will perform, and a Ram Lila from Uttarakhand will be staged. A new aarti record will also be attempted, with over 1,100 people expected to participate in the largest gathering of its kind at Saryu Ghat.
To accommodate around 5,000 to 6,000 visitors, the government has set up 40 large LED screens for live broadcasts across 55 ghats. A team from Guinness World Records, led by consultant Nischal Barot, is counting the diyas with drone technology to ensure accuracy. For safety, around 10,000 security personnel, including undercover officers, have been stationed, and several key routes are accessible only to pass holders. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has invited all to witness this grand celebration live or through the "Ek Diya Ram ke Naam" virtual initiative on the Divya Ayodhya app.