In Uttar Pradesh, the stage is set for the ninth edition of the annual Deepotsav festival in the holy city of Ayodhya this evening, marking the divine homecoming of Lord Shri Ram.

Grand preparations are underway to break last year’s record, with over 26 lakh diyas to be lit across the city. This year, a record 26,11,101 earthen lamps will illuminate 56 ghats along Ram Ki Paudi, creating a breathtaking spectacle on the banks of the sacred Saryu River. The radiant glow of these lamps will showcase Ayodhya’s spiritual and cultural grandeur on the global stage.

The event is being organised with the active support of the local administration, cultural organisations, and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, which is playing a leading role in coordinating the festivities. More than 10,000 people are involved in the massive effort.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Richard Stenning outlined the structured process for verifying the record attempt, which involves scanning QR codes to track participants entering the venue. The area has been divided into zones, each supervised by two stewards who ensure all lamps are lit properly. Any unlit lamps or discrepancies are deducted from the final count.

A grand Saryu Aarti is also scheduled this evening, organised by the district administration and municipal corporation, adding to the spiritual fervour of the occasion.