Daijiworld Media Network - Ayodhya

Ayodhya, Oct 20: In a spectacular confluence of devotion, culture, and political undertones, Ayodhya celebrated a historic Diwali with a record-setting Deepotsav that lit up the banks of the Saryu River with over 26.17 lakh diyas and a synchronised aarti involving 2,128 devotees — both feats officially recognised by Guinness World Records.

The riverfront transformed into a sea of light and sound, drawing thousands in celebration and placing Ayodhya firmly on the global spiritual map. The visual grandeur was matched by strong political messaging, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath using the occasion to sharply contrast his administration’s efforts with those of previous governments. His remarks, that opposition leaders “respect Babar but ignore Lord Ram,” were met with loud applause.

Cabinet minister Anil Rajbhar echoed the sentiment, calling the Deepotsav a reflection of India’s cultural resurgence and claiming that earlier leaders avoided Ayodhya to maintain political equations. He dismissed criticism from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav as reflective of a “foreign mentality,” urging rivals to focus on their own parties and elections.

Akhilesh, meanwhile, took a jibe at the BJP by pointing out the absence of deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya from the state’s Diwali ads, sparking fresh speculation over internal dynamics.

Despite the political sparring, the Deepotsav itself remained the heart of the event — a visual and emotional triumph marked by chanting, flickering lamps, and a unified spirit of celebration that, for many, reinforced Ayodhya’s sacred and cultural identity.