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Places to Celebrate Diwali in Ayodhya
Diwali in Ayodhya is one of the most significant spiritual events in India and is celebrated with immense devotion, grandeur and historical reverence. As the birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya holds a special place in the Hindu religion, and its Diwali celebration is deeply rooted in the legend of Lord Ram's return to the city after 14 years of exile and his triumph over Ravana, making it one of the most iconic Diwali celebrations in India.In modern times, the celebration has taken the form of the iconic Deepotsav, a state-sponsored cultural and religious festival that draws millions of devotees and tourists from across the country and abroad. Each year, lakhs of diyas are lit along the ghats of the Saryu River, setting new records and creating a mesmerising spectacle that has earned a place in the Guinness World Records.
Every year, especially since the construction of the Ram Mandir in January 2024, the scale of festivities has grown into one of the biggest festive attractions in India. Complete with sacred aartis, grand performances and cultural programmes, Ayodhya Diwali offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Diwali in Ayodhya
The story behind this festival begins with the triumphant return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing 14 years in exile. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps throughout the city, turning every home and street into a display of light and joy. This act of devotion gave rise to the tradition of Diwali, which still holds deep meaning for Hindus around the world. Furthermore, it also gave birth to the tradition of lighting diyas on Diwali.
In the heart of this celebration lies the spiritual weight of Ayodhya itself. As the site of the newly inaugurated Ram Mandir, the city has become a living symbol of dharma and cultural pride. Today, the celebration of Diwali in Ayodhya is a grand event, which consists of folk dances, Ram Leela performances, as well as illuminated ghats, making it a sight to remember.
Guinness World Record Recognition
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav has earned global recognition by setting multiple Guinness World Records. In 2024, the city lit over 25 lakh diyas along the Saryu River, breaking its own previous record of 22.23 lakh lamps from 2023. The lighting was officially verified by Guinness adjudicators through drone-based counting. Alongside this, 1,121 priests performed a synchronised aarti, creating another world record for the largest simultaneous diya rotation. Earlier records include 5.84 lakh diyas in 2020 and 4.10 lakh in 2019, reflecting the festival’s growing grandeur each year. With every Deepotsav, Ayodhya continues to illuminate not just its ghats, but the spiritual spirit of India itself.
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav has earned global recognition by setting multiple Guinness World Records. In 2024, the city lit over 25 lakh diyas along the Saryu River, breaking its own previous record of 22.23 lakh lamps from 2023. The lighting was officially verified by Guinness adjudicators through drone-based counting. Alongside this, 1,121 priests performed a synchronised aarti, creating another world record for the largest simultaneous diya rotation. Earlier records include 5.84 lakh diyas in 2020 and 4.10 lakh in 2019, reflecting the festival’s growing grandeur each year. With every Deepotsav, Ayodhya continues to illuminate not just its ghats, but the spiritual spirit of India itself.
