Indians celebrate Diwali by lighting a record number of clay lamps

LUCKNOW, India (AP) — Millions of Indians have begun celebrating the annual Hindu holiday festival of lights, diwali, symbolically lighting a record 2.51 million clay oil lamps at dusk on Wednesday on the banks of the Sariu River in the northern Indian city they believe is the birthplace of the deity Lord Ram.

Diwali is the most important festival of the year in Indiaespecially for the Hindu majority. It is celebrated by communicating and exchanging gifts with loved ones. Many light candles and oil lamps made of clay. Fireworks are launched. In the evening, a special prayer is offered to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

The Guinness World Records team presented a certificate to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirming the unprecedented number of oil lamps, surpassing last year’s 2.2 million. The event was closely monitored by drone cameras.

The celebrations took place in the northern city of Ayodhya, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was nine months ago. opened a controversial Hindu temple built on the ruins of a historic mosque following a Supreme Court ruling seen as a political victory for the populist leader. The establishment of a temple dedicated to Lord Ram fulfilled a long-standing demand of millions of Hindus.

On Wednesday, thousands of volunteers lit lamps called “actions” along riverbanks, alleys, facades and rooftops.

“More than 30,000 volunteers, mostly college students, worked diligently to keep the lamps burning systematically for the stipulated time,” said Dr. Pratibha Goyal, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia University, Awadh, who coordinated the massive effort.

Lanterns were lit along 55 embankment steps of the village Saru river created a fascinating picture along 1.5 kilometers (one mile). As the lamps burned for more than five minutes, government official Shishir Singh said Ayodhya had set its seventh consecutive world record for the largest display.

Singh said about 91,000 liters (about 24,000 gallons) of mustard oil were used to light the lamps.

Event transformed Ayodhya to the city of lights amidst the devotional singing of bhajans. A laser show with scenes from the epic “Ramayana” added to the experience, and ecological fireworks lit up the horizon. Traditional decorations, including elaborate arches and grand gates along the main thoroughfares, created a festive atmosphere, while folk cultural performances drew pilgrims to the streets.

The festival also featured a prayer ceremony performed by 1,100 priests on the banks of the river.

Security measures have been tightened throughout the city. According to police officer Rajkaran Nayyar, paramilitary commandos, bomb detectors, dog units, facial recognition technology and drones were deployed for real-time monitoring.

Major Hindu holidays such as Dussehra and Diwali are associated with mythological stories about the god Ram, who extols the virtues of truth, sacrifice and ethical governance.

Major Diwali celebrations take place across the country on Thursday.