Ayodhya marked its first 'Deepotsav' since the consecration of the Ram Temple in January, lighting over 2.5 million diyas along the banks of the River Saryu, setting a new Guinness World Record. The event took place on October 30, commemorating the eighth edition of Deepotsav, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath leading the festivities.

In a ceremonial start to the celebration, the Chief Minister and his cabinet lit the first lamps to inaugurate the event, which celebrated the temple's consecration on January 22 this year. The evening featured a spectacular laser and drone show that illustrated scenes from the Ramayana.

Cultural performances were presented by artists from six countries—Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia—alongside a Ram Leela enactment from Uttarakhand.

To ensure the safety of attendees, approximately 10,000 security personnel were deployed across the city, with half of them in civilian clothing. Security measures also included the closure of 17 routes leading to Ram Ki Paidi, allowing entry only for pass holders.

One of the highlights of the event was the arrangement of 80,000 diyas in the shape of a swastika at Ghat No. 10, symbolizing auspiciousness and serving as a key attraction.

The celebrations featured a colorful procession with vibrant tableaux depicting characters from the Ramayana, greeted with an 'aarti' performed by Yogi Adityanath, who also helped pull the chariot carrying artists portraying Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. In a nod to the mythological Pushpak Viman, the characters were transported to Ayodhya via helicopter.

The Tourism Department showcased tableaux that illustrated key scenes from the Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas, including significant events in Lord Ram’s life—his education, marriage to Sita, the 14-year exile, Bharat Milaap, Shabri's devotion, Hanuman's journey to Lanka, Ravana's defeat, and his triumphant return to Ayodhya.