Showstopping oil lamp records broken to celebrate Diwali

In a dazzling celebration for Diwali, two oil lamp-themed records were broken.  

The two titles for most people performing diya rotations simultaneously and the largest display of oil lamps were claimed by the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, District Administration Aydohya and Sarayu Aarti Samiti (all India).

This took place during Deepostav, an annual festival held in Aydohya to welcome Diwali for residents and tourists alike.

The annual Hindu festival of lights is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world.

For their seventh consecutive record-breaking night, the organizers decided to attempt a new record title for the most people performing diya rotations simultaneously.

This record had a minimum of 250 people to beat.

All participants had rehearsed the previous night with some success. 

On the night of the attempt, QR codes were used for entry and stewards were present to brief the participants and make sure that they were synchronised with the main performer.

The diyas used were rounded clay lamps with cotton wick and lit, the diya rotations lasted for seven minutes.

A total of 1,211 participants successfully completed the attempt.

On the next day, came the stunning largest display of oil lamps.

The total amount of oil lamps collected amounted to a staggering 2, 512,585. 

The record-setting display saw oil lamps lining the riverbanks, roads, and rooftops.

This is the seventh time the institutions have broken the record, with the first being in November 2021.

Held along the river Saryu, the event saw more than 30,000 volunteers - primarily college students - arrange the oil lamps.

Attendees at the event also helped with placing the lamps in rows creating a captivating aerial display.

Unlike previous attempts, guidelines state that the oil lamps do not necessarily need to be lit for the record to be valid.

Once the attempt was verified by Guinness World Records Adjudicator Pravin Patel, the successful attempts were announced.

The Guinness World Records certificate was presented to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

We can't wait to see if they make a bigger and brighter display next year!