New Delhi: On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain on Saturday (February 18, 2023) set a new Guinness world record by lighting 18.82 lakh diyas (earthen oil lamps). The previous world record for the “largest display of oil lamps” was set by Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, which had lit around 15.76 lakh lamps on Diwali last year.
The diyas were to be lit for a minimum of five minutes which was done successfully here, Guinness World Records’ adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar said.
About 20,000 volunteers took part in the event which was staged mainly across the banks of the Kshipra river.
The event was also attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his wife.
, Everywhere Shiva ..
The splendor and beauty of Ujjayini illuminated by the light of innumerable rays is indescribable. The grace of Mahakal Maharaj is showering here.
Every corner of the Sanatan culture is being illuminated by the pleasing illumination of lakhs of lamps. #MahaShivratri pic.twitter.com/pxjs7HNQC5
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) February 18, 2023
According to city officials, the entire event on Saturday was based on the ‘zero waste’ principle.
With this, Ujjain also kicked off the “Shiv Jyoti Arpanam 2023” program.
In the program “Shiva Jyoti Arpanam: 2023” partner Mr. @DrMohanYadav51 yes mr @mlaujjain yes mr @bjpanilfirojiya yes mr @iMukeshTatwal yes mr @BJP_DrJatiya ji and other respected public representatives and citizens were present. pic.twitter.com/eTulOWe1AG— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) February 18, 2023
On Maha Shivaratri last year, as many as 11,71,078 earthen lamps were lit in Ujjain.