Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 29 (ANI): Ayodhya‘s Deepotsav celebration is poised to etch its name in the Guinness World Records for two remarkable feats.
This year’s festival, the first since the Ram Temple’s construction, will feature two record attempts: a 1,100-person Saryu Aarti and the main lamp-lighting event and with expanded areas like New Ghat, Old Ghat, and Bhajan Sandhya designated for lamp placement, the team has already set out over 25 lakh diyas.
Volunteers have increased to ensure success, with final results expected after the lighting on October 30th.
A 30-member team from the Guinness Book of World Records has arrived in Ayodhya to oversee preparations for Deepotsav.
Nischal Barot, Guinness Book of World Records Team Incharge, on Tuesday, announced that two world records are set to be attempted during the Deepawali festivities in Ayodhya.

“This is the seventh Deepotsav but this time it is a little special because after the Ram Mandir has been built, it is the first Deepotsav. This time there are two Guinness Book of Records, the first is that a record-breaking number of 1100 people will do the Saryu Aarti and the second is lightning of 25 lakh Diyas,” Nischal Barot said while speaking to ANI.
With expanded areas like New Ghat, Old Ghat, and Bhajan Sandhya designated for lamp placement, the team has already set out over 1.2 million lamps. This year’s festival, the first since the Ram Temple’s construction, will feature two record attempts: a 1,100-person Saryu Aarti and the main lamp-lighting event. Volunteers have increased to ensure success, with final results expected after the lighting on October 30th.

As Ayodhya prepares for its grand Diwali celebration, the Guinness World Records team has also embarked on the challenging task of counting the massive number of diyas (oil lamps) laid out across the city.
This year, organizers have set a goal to surpass previous records, with an estimated 2.8 million diyas already placed.
The counting methodology has been developed using specialized software designed to ensure accuracy.
Nischal Barot, the chief of the Guinness team, explained that the most significant challenges include maintaining the correct dimensions for counting. Each square area designated for the diyas must be precisely 16×16 feet. Any discrepancies, such as dimensions being larger, can complicate the counting process.
“Our team of 30 members is supported by around 300 volunteers spread across various ghats. The sheer scale of the area we’re covering–extending up to one and a half kilometres–adds to the complexity,” Barot stated.
The counting process involves a dry count of the diyas before they are filled with oil and lit. Volunteers work diligently to ensure that all diyas conform to the required measurements, as any mismatch could lead to errors in the final count. The team also plans to conduct a trial of the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) involving over 1,100 participants, which is another record attempt.
Barot praised the efforts of volunteers, particularly the 30,000 who have dedicated their time over the past seven years to this initiative. He emphasized the importance of accuracy in their counting methods, which have been refined through software developed specifically for this event.
Ayodhya has seen significant changes in recent years, with increased tourism and development. The excitement is palpable, with local businesses thriving as visitors flock to the city for the festivities. Barot reflected on the transformation since his first visit in 2017, noting the arrival of major hotel brands and an increase in nighttime activity.
Deepotsav, a five-day festival, commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The event showcases Ayodhya‘s cultural and spiritual significance, attracting millions of devotees and tourists. (ANI)

Shimla markets abuzz with Dhanteras festivities as crowds flock for shopping

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 29 (ANI): Dhanteras festivities brought a vibrant buzz to Shimla‘s markets on Tuesday, as people prepared for the Diwali season. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh saw lively activity, with residents shopping for a range of items, from traditional utensils to gold jewelery.

Deepaali Mehta, a local resident, shared her excitement, saying, “On the festival of Dhanteras, which is celebrated just two days before Diwali, we go out to shop in the markets. Azam has come to shop for Dhanteras. We have come to buy different types of utensils. Some people also buy gold.”
Emphasising the significance of Dhanteras, she said, “Today, two days before Diwali, we celebrate it with great pomp and show, and today there are a lot of crowds in the market. It is a matter of great pride for India. We want that every year the Dhanteras festival should be celebrated in this way.”
Speaking on environmental awareness, Mehta said, “For Diwali, I will also appeal that pollution should not be spread much, Diwali should be celebrated well, lighting should be done, and Diwali should be celebrated with happiness. A lot is going on online, but whatever we see in the shop, we can also do the installment bidding and can also get knowledge of the product.”
Shopkeepers, too, expressed mixed sentiments. Sunny Yadav, a local retailer, welcomed the increase in foot traffic but voiced concerns over the impact of online shopping, noting, “Although I am happy with the shopping being done by people on Dhanteras on the occasion of Diwali, I am not happy with the increasing trend of online shopping.”
Yadav encouraged locals to visit physical stores, adding, “I would advise people to go to the shop and buy things themselves.”

Another shopkeeper Neeraj Goyal who owns a utensil shop, said, “There is a huge crowd at my utensils shop on Dhanteras before Diwali. We have variety, but there is some problem due to online shopping.”
He noted that while business is active, online competition has dampened sales compared to last year. “I would advise that you can come here and check the quality yourself,” he added.
The jewelery sector, however, has been thriving. Local jeweller Akshay Verma, who supplies jewelery across Himachal Pradesh, stated that special offers and discounts for Diwali and Dhanteras have attracted many customers.
“On this occasion of Diwali and Dhanteras, we have given different offers, and people are buying heavily,” Verma said.
In a bid to enhance the shopping experience, Verma’s store has organized a celebration for Shimla customers, with events and special discounts. “The people of Shimla are giving us a lot of love, and a special event has been organized for them on the occasion of Dhanteras, in which special offers have also been made,” he said.
Diwali is one of the most significant festivals in India and around the world. This vibrant festival, known as the Festival of Lights, signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. As families prepare for the festivities, homes will be adorned with colourful rangoli patterns, illuminated with diyas and fairy lights.
The celebrations typically involve performing prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, sharing delicious sweets and snacks, and exchanging gifts with loved ones. Fireworks will light up the night sky, creating a dazzling display that adds to the joyful atmosphere. Diwali 2024 promises to be a time of togetherness, reflection, and celebration, fostering a spirit of unity and hope for the year ahead. (ANI)