'May this festival...illuminate our lives': Modi wishes nation on Diwali
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning wished the nation on the occasion of Diwali. "Greetings on the occasion of Diwali. May this festival of lights illuminate our lives with harmony, happiness and prosperity. May the spirit of positivity prevail all around us," he posted on X. PM Modi also urged people to buy "Swadeshi" products, or locally made goods, this festive season.
Local support
Buy 'Swadeshi' products this festive season: PM Modi
"Let's mark this festive season by celebrating the hardwork, creativity and innovation of 140 crore Indians. Let's buy Indian products and say—Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai! Do also share what you bought on social media. This way you will inspire others to also do the same," he wrote. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his Diwali wishes. He called the festival a "sacred symbol of the eternal victory of truth."
Record achievement
Ayodhya enters Guinness World Records with over 26 lakh diyas
On the eve of Deepotsav, Ayodhya entered the Guinness World Records by lighting over 26 lakh oil lamps along the Saryu River. The event was organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department in collaboration with the Ayodhya District Administration. A total of 2,617,215 diyas were lit in a synchronized 'diya' rotation to create the world's largest oil lamp display.
Community effort
Volunteers, devotees light up Ayodhya on Deepotsav
The lamps were arranged in a specific pattern for accurate counting and verification by Guinness World Records officials. Over 30,000 volunteers from universities, colleges, and various departments participated in this massive effort. The grand Saryu aarti was performed by 2,128 devotees on the evening of October 17 as part of the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya.