Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday extended warm Diwali greetings to citizens across the country, calling for a celebration of light, positivity, and national pride. The festival of lights, observed with grandeur across India, also saw Ayodhya enter the Guinness World Records by lighting over 26 lakh diyas along the banks of the Saryu River.
PM Modi urges citizens to support ‘Swadeshi’ products
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi conveyed his wishes for harmony and prosperity.
“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,” the Prime Minister posted.
He also encouraged citizens to promote and purchase domestically made products during the festive season, highlighting the importance of supporting Indian artisans and local industries.
“Let’s mark this festive season by celebrating the hard work, 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 do the same,” PM Modi wrote.
The Prime Minister’s message aligns with the government’s ongoing Vocal for Local campaign, aimed at boosting small and medium enterprises by encouraging people to choose Indian-made goods.
Yogi Adityanath calls Diwali a symbol of truth and righteousness
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his Diwali greetings, describing the festival as a “sacred symbol of the eternal victory of truth.”
“Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of you on the grand festival of Diwali, the sacred symbol of the eternal victory of truth, righteousness, and positivity! The festival of lights is not merely a ritual of lighting lamps, but a beacon of hope in the soul, a pulse of harmony in society, and a resolve for national resurgence,” he said in a statement.
The Chief Minister also prayed for divine blessings, adding, “May the grace of Lord Shri Ram and Mother Janaki illuminate not only our homes but also our hearts, and may the lamp of faith, enthusiasm, and zeal be kindled in everyone’s life. Jai Jai Siyaram!”
Ayodhya creates Guinness World Record with 26 lakh diyas
Amid the festive cheer, Ayodhya celebrated Deepotsav on a historic scale, entering the Guinness World Records for lighting 26,17,215 oil lamps along the Saryu River. The record-setting event was jointly organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and the Ayodhya District Administration.
According to officials, over 30,000 volunteers from universities, colleges, and government departments participated in arranging and lighting the diyas, which were placed in intricate patterns to facilitate accurate counting. Representatives from Guinness World Records were present to verify the figures and confirm the record.
In addition to the diya-lighting, a grand Saryu aarti was held, where 2,128 devotees performed the ritual simultaneously on the evening of October 17. The spectacle attracted thousands of pilgrims and visitors from across India, turning the temple town into a mesmerising sea of light and devotion.
Conclusion
As the country marked Diwali with devotion and festivity, messages from national leaders reinforced the festival’s deeper meaning — one of unity, faith, and renewal. Ayodhya’s record-breaking celebration symbolised not only the triumph of light over darkness but also India’s growing sense of cultural pride and collective spirit.