Ayodhya will host its first Diwali this Wednesday since the consecration of the Ram Temple this January, and preparations are underway for a celebration unlike any other in previous years.

The government aims to break last year’s Guinness World Record by lighting 25 lakh diyas along the banks of the Saryu River.

A team of 30 people, led by Guinness World Records consultant Nischal Barot, has already started counting diyas using drones across 55 ghats.

Taking into account potential losses based on experience, the authorities ordered 28 lakh diyas from local artisans to ensure they achieve their target.

Approximately 10 thousand security personnel, half of whom were in civilian clothes, were assigned throughout the city to ensure public security.

A special arrangement includes 80,000 diyas arranged in the shape of a swastika at ghat no. 10, the symbol of good luck and the central attraction of the event.

Deepotsav Nodal Officer Sant Sharan Mishra confirmed that preparations have been completed with accommodation of 5,000 to 6,000 guests at the ghats.

40 giant LED screens will broadcast live for those who cannot attend. Diyas are planned to be lit at a certain time in the evening.

The celebration will feature cultural performances by artists representing six countries (Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia) as well as a Ram Leela presentation from Uttarakhand.

In an eco-friendly initiative, the Animal Husbandry Department will burn 150,000 ‘Gau Deep’ as a gesture presented to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

In order to protect the structure of the Ram temple, special lamps designed to minimize soot and pollution will be used.

More than 30,000 volunteers are expected to help decorate the ghats, which will be decorated with flowers and lights and convey a message of environmental awareness.

The state information department has arranged for live telecast of the event with LED walls and vans installed all over Ayodhya to ensure visibility.

Security measures include closing 17 routes to Ram Ki Paidi and allowing access only to pass holders.

Anil Mishra, a trustee of Ram Janmabhoomi Foundation, highlighted the detailed planning for illuminating every part of the temple complex. Candle lamps will be used outside the main building to ensure cleanliness.

Senior Superintendent of Police Rajkaran Nair held meetings to discuss security arrangements, including deployment of ATS, STF and CRPF commandos to ensure security of the temple and surrounding areas.