Diwali 2024 highlights: Ayodhya shines with 25,12,585 diyas on Deepotsav, sets a new Guinness world record

Diwali 2024 live updates: Traffic jams filled the roads in many parts of the national capital as shoppers went to markets on Diwali eve. Many said they were stuck for hours, especially near Akshardham, Mahipalpur, and Dwarka.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said the transformation of Ayodhya is proof of “double-engine government delivering on its promise” and added that a similar transformation must also happen in Kashi and Mathura.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath received certificates for two Guinness World Records set during the 'Deepotsav' celebrations in Ayodhya. Earlier today, UP Tourism, Ayodhya administration, and Saryu Arti Samiti achieved a world record for the most people performing simultaneous aarti, with 1,121 participants. They also set a record for lighting the most diyas, exceeding 25 lakh, during the 'Deepotsav' celebrations.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Srinagar's Lal Chowk was illuminated with colourful lights on the eve of Diwali. The vibrant decorations added to the festive atmosphere, attracting locals and visitors alike.

Diwali 2024 live updates: With over 25 lakh diyas lit in Ayodhya on Deepotsav, the Uttar Pradesh tourism department, state government, Ayodhya administration and Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University have set a world record, said a Guinness official.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya said, “Forces that want to weaken India are doing the same work of dividing society as Ravan in the Treta Yug. Only the names are different, but these people are also trying to divide society in the name of caste, religion, and family. This Deepotsav is to bring a change for us to seek new inspiration.”

Diwali 2024 live updates: In Ayodhya, thousands of diyas illuminated the banks of the Saryu River on Wednesday, marking the eighth annual 'Deepotsav.' Led by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the event aimed to set a world record and was the first since the consecration of the Ram Lalla temple in January. The town was adorned for the occasion, with devotional music playing throughout. After offering prayers, Adityanath lit the inaugural lamps, officially launching the celebrations.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Amid Diwali preparations, heavy traffic congestion was reported near Delhi's Akshardham Temple, causing delays for commuters. The festive season has led to increased footfall and vehicle movement in the area, contributing to the congestion.

Diwali 2024 live updates: In Ayodhya, a laser and light show is taking place at Saryu Ghat. The ghat is lit with diyas and lights and a sound-light presentation is narrating the Ram Leela. This event is part of the Deepotsav celebrations.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya featured lakhs of diyas lighting up the Saryu River's banks, aiming for a world record. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath participated in the festivities.

Diwali 2024 live updates: As Deepotsav began in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath led a ceremonial aarti on the banks of the Saryu River, accompanied by several ministers. This grand celebration marks a significant cultural event, with the lighting of millions of diyas aimed at creating a Guinness World Record.

Diwali 2024 live updates: At the Deepotsav celebrations, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath while addressing people said that anyone who acts as an obstacle to humanity and development will meet a fate similar to that of the state's mafias.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said that the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya has been completed. He mentioned that the government has made significant progress since 2017, particularly in providing electricity to the region. Adityanath also criticised those who questioned the existence of Lord Ram and Sanatan Dharma, asserting that these doubts challenge the cultural heritage of the people.

Diwali 2024 live updates: On Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed that this year's celebration marks the first Deepotsav after the consecration of Lord Shri Ram. He added the joy among devotees, stating that over 25 lakh diyas will be lit, aiming to set another world record during the festivities.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended Diwali greetings to the people on Wednesday, calling it an important festival of the Sanatan Dharma tradition in India. “Thousands of years ago, in memory of the arrival of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the beginning of Ramrajya, devotees across Bharatkhand started celebrating this festival by decorating their homes with garlands of lamps,” a statement by the CM read.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak applied 'tilak' on the foreheads of the artists playing Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita. This took place during the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, showcasing the cultural importance of the event.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Flowers were showered from a helicopter on the artists playing Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, during the Deepotsav celebration. The scene delighted the crowd and added to the festive spirit.