'I wish everyone healthy, happy, and prosperous life': PM Modi greets nation on Deepawali

He said, "On this divine festival of lights, I wish everyone a healthy, happy, and prosperous life."

"May everyone prosper with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi and Lord Shri Ganesha," he added.

It is pertinent to note that on the occasion of Diwali on Wednesday (October 30), a historic celebration was held in Ayodhya, where over 25 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) were lit together, and 1,121 'vedacharyas' (teachers of religious texts) performed aarti simultaneously. The Ayodhya district administration, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, organized the Deepotsav event for the eighth consecutive year, illuminating the Saryu River in the holy city of Ayodhya with over 25 lakh diyas.

Significantly, though Deepotsav has been celebrated in Ayodhya for years, the 2024 celebration however marks unique significance, as two Guinness World Records were achieved on the occasion. The first record involved 1,121 people performing the Saryu Aarti simultaneously, and the second saw an impressive 2,512,585 lamps lit.

Pravin Patel, the adjudicator from Guinness World Records, who visited Ayodhya with Guinness Consultant Nischal Bharot for verification, announced the new records on Wednesday evening.

"With a total of 1,121, UP Tourism, the District Administration of Ayodhya, and Saryu Aarti Samiti, you are the Guinness World Records title holder for most people performing diya rotations simultaneously. Congratulations!" Patel declared.

On the second record, the Guinness adjudicator said, "With a total of 2,512,585, which translates into just over 25 lakh, UP Tourism, Govt of UP, District Administration of Ayodhya, and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, you are the new Guinness World Records title holder for the largest display of oil lamps!"

PM Modi congratulates people of Ayodhya

Meanwhile, following the celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Ayodhya for the grand and divine Deepotsav. In an X post, PM Modi said, "Amazing, incomparable, and unimaginable! Many congratulations to the people of Ayodhya for the grand and divine Deepotsav! This Jyotiparva at the holy birthplace of Ram Lalla, illuminated by millions of diyas, is truly moving. This beam of light emanating from Ayodhya Dham will fill my family members across the country with new enthusiasm and new energy.

"I wish that Lord Shri Ram blesses all countrymen with happiness, prosperity, and a successful life. Jai Shri Ram!"