Ayodhya held its first 'Deepotsav' since the consecration of the Ram temple in January this year, with over 25 lakh diyas lit on the banks of the Saryu river, setting a new Guinness World Record.

The eighth 'Deepotsav' was held in Ayodhya on Wednesday, October 30, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presiding over the celebrations. The Prime Minister, along with his cabinet members and others, lit the first lamps to mark the launch of the Deepostav – the first since the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22 this year.

The event also featured a laser and drone show depicting events from Ramayan. The celebration included cultural performances by artists from six countries – Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia – as well as a presentation by Ram Leela from Uttarakhand.

To ensure public safety, around 10,000 security forces were deployed across the city, half of them in civilian clothes.

A special arrangement included 80,000 diyas arranged in the shape of a swastika at Ghat No. 10, a symbol of good luck and a central attraction of the event.

Security measures include closing 17 routes leading to Ram Ki Paidi so that only pass holders are allowed entry.

A procession with colorful images depicting characters from the Ramayan paraded through the temple town. The procession was welcomed with an 'Aarti' by Yogi Adityanath, who also pulled the chariot carrying artists playing Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman.

The characters were earlier taken to Ayodhya by helicopter, in reference to the mythical Pushpak Viman, which Ramayan refers to.

The tourism department's tableaux depicted scenes from Bal Kand, Ayodhya Kand, Aranya Kand, Kishkindha Kand, Sundar Kand, Lanka Kand and Uttar Kand, taken from Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas.

Special exhibitions illustrated important events from Lord Ram's life – his education and marriage to Sita, the 14-year exile, Bharat Milaap, Shabri's devotion, Hanuman's journey to Lanka, Ravana's defeat and his grand return to Ayodhya in the procession.