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Ayodhya: Preparations are underway to set not one, but two world records this time in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. On Saturday, 21,000 devotees gathered for the Saryu Aarti, creating a record for the largest number of participants in an Aarti anywhere in the world. Organisers confirmed that a Guinness Book of World Records team was present during the event to verify the record claim. Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing to set another world record on Sunday evening by lighting 26,11,101 lamps across 56 ghats in Ayodhya. The Guinness team is using drones to count the diyas (lamps) for official verification. According to organisers, nearly 30,000 volunteers have been mobilised for the event. The process of filling the lamps with oil and wicks began in the morning, and all arrangements are expected to be completed by evening.
Lucknow, Sep 13 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government has begun preparations to make Deepotsav 2025 in Ayodhya a grand and divine event, officials said on Saturday. The tourism department will illuminate the ghats of the Saryu river and Ram Ki Paidi with over 26 lakh diyas. "This sea of lamps will symbolise Lord Ram's arrival in Ayodhya, spreading the light of faith among countless devotees," a statement said. A special highlight will be a pollution-free green fireworks show on October 19. Designed to meet international standards, the 10-minute display will be a fusion of music, laser effects, ...Read More >
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 19 (ANI): On the eve of Diwali, the city of Ayodhya witnessed grand celebrations as a spectacular drone show illuminated the sky, adding a modern and artistic dimension to the traditional Deepotsav festivities. Organised at Ram Ki Paidi, located on the banks of the River Saryu in Ayodhya, as part of the vibrant Deepotsav celebrations, the drone show added a modern touch to the traditional festivities and mesmerised attendees with its synchronised displays. Also Read | Sunny Deol Turns 68: Suniel Shetty, Ameesha Patel and Others Wish 'Gadar' Actor on H ...Read More >
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], October 20 (ANI): Government buildings and offices in Rajasthan's Jaipur were decorated with attractive lighting on the occasion of the Diwali. Special decorations and lighting were done around Janpath, the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly building, the Electricity Department building, the Finance Department building, and Amar Jawan Jyoti. Earlier today, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma extended greetings to all the citizens on the occasion of Diwali. Rajasthan CM wished for happiness, prosperity, and well-being for all the people. "Heartfelt Diwali greet ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 18 (ANI): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Saturday announced revised train timings for Diwali, with early morning services on the eve of the festival and curtailed operations on the night of Diwali. As per the announcement, on the eve of Diwali, Sunday (October 19), metro services on the Pink, Magenta, and Grey lines will commence at 6 am instead of the usual 7 am, which is the standard start time for Sundays. The change has been implemented to accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger movement ahead of the festival. Also Read | Diwali 2025 Bank ...Read More >
Delhi/Hyderabad, Oct 19 (Maxim News): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday hit out at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for his remarks questioning the need to spend large sums on lighting diyas and candles during Diwali, calling his statement "shocking" and "insensitive" towards Hindu traditions. Here To Join Us On WhatsApp A controversy erupted after Yadav said on Saturday, "Throughout the world, cities become beautifully illuminated during Christmas, and this festive lighting can last for months. We should take inspiration from this. Why do we need to spend money on diyas an ...Read More >
AYODHYA, Oct 20: In a dazzling display of devotion and national pride, the sacred city of Ayodhya marked this Diwali with a record-breaking Deepotsav celebration that lit up the ghats of the Saryu River and reignited political tempers across the spectrum. The city etched its name into the annals of history by setting two Guinness World Records -- 26.17 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) illuminated the riverbanks, while 2,128 devotees performed a synchronised aarti, creating a spectacle of spiritual fervour and visual splendour. A Guinness World Records certificate was formally conferred, underscorin ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
Deepotsav 2025: Ayodhya is gearing up for one of its most spectacular celebrations yet as preparations for Deepotsava 2025 gather pace. Scheduled for October 19, this year's festival will feature an international-standard green fireworks display, choreographed with music and laser effects, while more than 26 lakh diyas illuminate the ghats of the Sarayu River. The 10-minute aerial show, designed with eco-friendly technology, is set to rise over 200 metres into the night sky, blending tradition w ...Read More >
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 20 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the Deepotsav Milan in Ayodhya's Karsevakpuram, saying that over the past nine years, the celebration of Deepotsav has given Ayodhya a new global identity. He urged unity, vigilance against divisive elements, and shared his morning visit to a sanitation workers' colony, distributing sweets, reflecting the spirit of celebration and community. Addressing a public gathering, CM Yogi said, "Over the past nine years, the celebration of Deepotsav has given Ayodhya a new global identity. The lamp ...Read More >
NEW DELHI (AP) - Millions of Indians celebrated Diwali on Monday as lamps illuminated homes and streets across the country to mark the Hindu festival symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Diwali, derived from the word "Deepavali," meaning "a row of lights," is typically celebrated by socializing and exchanging gifts. The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in late October or early November. Shoppers crowded markets to buy flowers, lanterns and candles. The celebrations were most visible in Ayodhya city in Uttar Pradesh state. Hindus belie ...Read More >
Lucknow, Oct 20 (UNI) Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated in Uttar Pradesh with enthusiasm and traditional gaiety today. Lamps and lights lit up cities and towns, fairs and festivities, as people worshipped Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Almost every house in the state has been decorated with colourful lights while children and elders wore new clothes to celebrate the occasion. Diwali in UP is celebrated too in honour of Lord Ram returning to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile on the orders of King Dashrath, his father. A big Deepotsava function was organised in Ayodhya during t ...Read More >
The Guinness certificate was presented to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath by the state's tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh and principal secretary Amrit Abhijat. The display of lit earthen diyas, the largest ever so far, was presented jointly by the UP Department of Tourism, the Ayodhya administration, and the Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University. Earlier in the day, a huge procession was also taken out in Ayodhya on the occasion of deepotsav and chhoti Diwali on Sunday, in w ...Read More >
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 20 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Ayodhya on Monday to extend Diwali greetings to residents, distributing sweets on behalf of the state government. He further highlighted the city's commitment to cleanliness and unity during the Festival of Lights. Addressing the public, CM Yogi said, "On the occasion of Diwali, I have come here to wish all the sisters and brothers a Happy Diwali and to distribute sweets to them on behalf of the state government. I am very impressed that your neighbourhood is so clean. The Prime Minister ha ...Read More >
AYODHYA(UP): Two new world records were set at this year's Deepotsav in Ayodhya: 26.17 lakh diyas lit at the same place as 2,128 people performed 'aarti' together for the grand celebrations in the temple town, the Uttar Pradesh government said. Representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records made the announcement after verifying the count of the diyas using drones, a government statement said. UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat presented the Guinness certificate to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The first Guinness award was given for ...Read More >
Shimla: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri extended greetings and good wishes to the people of Himachal Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.In his message, the governor wished for the good health, prosperity, and well-being of the people. He said that Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolises the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. He added that on this day, lamps are li ...Read More >
SRINAGAR - Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Kashmir on June 6 since a conflict with arch-rival Pakistan, opening a strategic railway line to the contested region he called "the crown jewel of India". Mr Modi launched a string of projects worth billions of dollars for the divided Muslim-majority territory, the centre of bitter rivalry between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan fought a four-day conflict in May, their worst standoff since 1999, before a ceasefire was agreed on May 10. "Pakistan will never ...Read More >
Kartavya Path transformed into a mesmerizing wonderland for Deepotsav in Delhi, as 1.51 lakh diyas illuminated the night sky. A dazzling display featuring a Ramayana-inspired drone and laser show captivated the audience, alongside heartfelt Ram Katha recitations. High-ranking ministers graced the occasion, heralding a new chapter in Delhi's public Diwali festivities. The Delhi government on Saturday organised a grand "Deepotsav" programme at Kartavya Path on the occasion of Dhanteras, drawing la ...Read More >
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 19 (ANI): On the eve of Diwali, the city of Ayodhya witnessed grand celebrations as a spectacular drone show illuminated the sky, adding a modern and artistic dimension to the traditional Deepotsav festivities. Organised at Ram Ki Paidi, located on the banks of the River Saryu in Ayodhya, as part of the vibrant Deepotsav celebrations, the drone show added a modern touch to the traditional festivities and mesmerised attendees with its synchronised displays. The drones painted a spectacular display in the sky, featuring visuals of Lord Hanuman, Lord Ram ...Read More >
Ayodhya (UP), Oct 19 (PTI) Ayodhya witnessed a spectacle on Sunday evening as Deepotsav 2025 illuminated the holy city with 26,17,215 lamps, marking the ninth edition of the grand celebration. Devotees from across India and abroad filled the city with chants of "Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram." Devotees offered prayers along the banks of the Saryu river, while temples, lanes, and homes across Ayodhya glimmered, according to an official statement. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, Uttar Pradesh set two new Guinness World Records: one for lighting 26,17,215 lamps across the cit ...Read More >
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Kashmir since a conflict with arch-rival Pakistan, to open a strategic railway line Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Kashmir on Friday since a conflict with arch-rival Pakistan, opening a strategic railway line to the contested region he called "the crown jewel of India". Modi launched a string of projects worth billions of dollars for the divided Muslim-majority territory, the centre of bitter rivalry between India ...Read More >
Lucknow: Hectic preparations are underway across Ayodhya for the success of Sunday's Deepotsav with volunteers giving final touches to the ghats. In all, 26.11 Lakh diyas will be illuminated along the Ram Ki Paidi and 56 other ghats this year. The state is eyeing to scale up its Guinness World Record with a new target.Describing it as a 'people's celebration', officials said over 33,000 volunteers along with locals are working in coordination to complete arrangements before the final rehearsal on Oct 18. Streets have been decorated with flowers, LED arches and thematic lighting while security ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 18 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said that the entire city will celebrate the festival of Diwali together and hoped that this festival would bring a smile to the faces of the people of Delhi. Speaking to reporters during the celebrations of Deepotsav at Kartavya Path, the Delhi CM said, "Diwali is not just a festival but a symbol of devotion for us. Lord Ram returning to his home and the triumph of good over evil continues to inspire us. The entire city of Delhi will celebrate the festival of Diwali together. Lakhs of diyas are lit at the Karta ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 19 (ANI): Japan's Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi on Sunday extended Diwali wishes for India and said that the Embassy of Japan hosted a special celebratory Diwali lunch party Ono also shared visuals of the celebration. In a post on X, Ono said, "The Embassy of Japan in India held a wonderful Diwali lunch party to celebrate the Festival of Lights. We extend warm wishes to everyone for a joyful and prosperous Diwali. May the light of Diwali bring hope, and positivity to all." Earlier on Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the entire city will cele ...Read More >
Ayodhya's Deepotsav this year will be a spectacular blend of tradition and technology. Over 1,100 indigenous drones will illuminate the skies, recreating scenes from the Ramayana. This will be complemented by mesmerizing 3-D holographic laser shows. More than 26 lakh earthen lamps will also light up the ghats of Ram Ki Paidi, promising a grand celebration for devotees. This year's Deepotsav in Ayodhya promises a stunning fusion of tradition and technology, with 1,100 indigenous drones lighting u ...Read More >
Ayodhya: Ayodhya is glowing with energy and faith as preparations for Deepotsav 2025 enter the final stage. The banks of the Saryu are being turned into a sea of light, with 26,11,101 diyas set to be lit on October 19. The sight is expected to create another Guinness World Record for the temple town. This year's Deepotsav is being powered by the people. About 33,000 volunteers, including students, teachers and local organisations, are working under the supervision of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University to place diyas across 56 ghats. By Friday afternoon, half the diya-laying work was compl ...Read More >
New Delhi, Oct 16 (PTI) The Kartavya Path here would be lit with two lakh earthen lamps on October 18 and 19 as the BJP government in Delhi is all set to celebrate Diwali with fanfare, complete with a Ramayana-themed laser and drone show. According to officials, the celebrations will be in line with the festivities at Ayodhya. Over the past eight years, Deepotsav in Ayodhya has evolved into a globally recognised spectacle, setting world records for lighting lakhs of diyas along the banks of the Saryu River and at prominent temples in the holy city. "The Kartavya Path will be lit up with two ...Read More >
Lucknow: The holy city of Ayodhya turned into a sea of shimmering light on Sunday evening as 33,000 dedicated volunteers came together to light 26.17 lakh earthen lamps on the ghats of the Saryu, setting a new Guinness World Record during the ninth edition of Deepotsav.The volunteers, students from various schools, colleges, and Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University, worked tirelessly to ensure that every diya burned brightly at the same time. From early morning preparations to the breathtaking moment of illumination, their coordinated effort transformed Ayodhya into a radiant symbol of devotion ...Read More >
Ayodhya, October 16, 2025 -- This year's Deepotsav in Ayodhya is set to be historic and visually spectacular. For the first time ever, the entire 70-acre Ram Mandir complex will be illuminated, marking a new chapter in the celebration of light and devotion. On October 19 at exactly 5:30 PM, the temple and its surrounding 4-kilometer radius will be lit with 1,50,000 earthen lamps (diyas), transforming the sacred city into a glowing tribute to Lord Ram. Unlike previous years, when Deepotsav was limited to the sanctum and visitor pathways, this year the Ram Mandir Trust has decided to expand th ...Read More >
MARTOLI, India (AP) -- Dozens of dilapidated stone buildings are what is left of the once-thriving border village of Martoli, in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nestled in Johar Valley and surrounded by Himalayan peaks -- the most notable being Nanda Devi, once considered the tallest mountain in the world -- this village had traded sugar, lentils, spices and cloth for salt and wool with Tibetans across the border. The nomadic occupants of several villages spent the winter months in the plains collecting goods to be traded with Tibetans in the summer. But the border was sealed after ...Read More >
Ayodhya: Preparations have begun at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh for the ninth Deepotsav celebrations to mark the homecoming of Lord Shri Ram. The city is set to create history by lighting over 26 lakhs diyas. According to reports, the administration has planned to light 26,11,101 lamps to illuminate Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats to create a divine spectacle that will not only dazzle the eyes but also fill hearts with devotion to Lord Shri Ram. "The radiance of these lamps will highlight Ayodhya's spiritual and cultural grandeur on the global stage. Deepotsav stands as a symbol of faith, unity, and ...Read More >