73,000 litres of oil, 26 lakh diyas — and thousands of volunteers: Ayodhya Deepotsav aims for world record

The volunteers, including students from 28 degree colleges, 30 inter-colleges, and members of social organisations around Ayodhya, have begun laying diyas as per the layout prepared by the coordinating institute — Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University.

Sources said that while 10 lakh diyas are being made by industrial units and self-help groups, around 16 lakh diyas are being crafted by women’s self-help groups and potter families from Ayodhya and nearby districts.

Laying of diyas along the ghats in Ayodhya began on Friday. (Express Photo)

“Around 40 potter families from mainly three villages of Ayodhya — Jaisinghpur, Purabazar and Gosaiganj — were engaged in manufacturing handmade diyas. Around 22 committees have been formed, supervisors appointed, and teams assigned specific ghats to lay the diyas as per a set layout, which will help ensure accurate counting,” said an official.

Each ghat is to have a set number of diyas. Those involved in the preparations shared that the targets include: Ram Ki Paidi – 16 lakh diyas; the extended portion of Ram Ki Paidi (Dharma Path to Puliya) – 4.25 lakh diyas; Chaudhary Charan Singh Ghat – 4.75 lakh diyas; Bhajan Sandhya Ghat – 5.25 lakh diyas; and Laxman Kila Ghat along with adjoining smaller ghats – 1.25 lakh diyas.

Officials said the Deepotsav will be a four-day event, beginning with the laying of diyas on October 17, followed by a drone show and 3D holographic musical laser show on October 18, 19, and 20. The Deepotsava Maha Arti is scheduled for October 19, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expected to participate alongside 2,100 devotees.

Meanwhile, to ensure diyas are lit simultaneously across Ayodhya beyond the ghats, the government plans to distribute around 1,500 diyas to each ward through local corporators for homes and commercial establishments.

Railings along Rampath and Bhakti Path will be decorated with fresh flowers.

Officials stated that besides additional staff assigned to maintain cleanliness during Deepotsav, approximately 785 workers will be deployed specifically for removing the diyas after the ceremony.