Ayodhya's Divine Spectacle: City Sets New World Record at Grand Deepotsav!

2 hours ago 4

ARTICLE AD BOX

UPDATED: Oct 19, 2025 15:36 IST

This special report from India Today captures the electrifying atmosphere at the grand Deepotsav in Ayodhya, with correspondent Samarth Shrivastava on the ground. The anchor's report begins with the statement, 'tableau has started in Ayodhya as the atmosphere is electrifying as you see in the visuals out here'. The event, a precursor to Diwali, saw the city set a new Guinness World Record by lighting over 2.22 million earthen lamps ('diyas') across 51 ghats on the banks of the Saryu river. The celebration was marked by a vibrant display of cultural heritage, featuring numerous tableaus depicting scenes like Bajrang Bali's devotion and the sanctity of Kashi. The report also highlights the diverse cultural participation, with artistic troupes from states like Punjab, performing Bhangra, and West Bengal, adding to the grandeur of the festival that celebrated India's rich traditions.

LATEST VIDEOS

Ayodhya Electrified: Andhra Artists Perform Mahakali Dance Welcoming Lord Ram

This special report spotlights the vibrant Mahakali dance performance by artists from Andhra Pradesh in Ayodhya, as the temple town prepares for grand festivities. The electrifying atmosphere is captured through visuals of dancers in striking attire, depicting Maa Kali with sword in hand and tongue out, symbolically welcoming Lord Ram of Treta Yuga. As one eyewitness described, 'Just witness this electrified atmosphere in Ayodhya currently with such electrified canopies.' The programme highlights the cultural fusion and spiritual fervour, with the dance setting a high tempo and drawing crowds to witness the unique celebration. Cameramen Sandeep and Hardeep Sharma Shivashta bring these visuals to viewers on India Today, showcasing the beauty and energy of Andhra Pradesh’s traditions in Ayodhya.

Video: Major fire at firecrackers shop in Madhya Pradesh's Maihar district

A massive fire broke out on Sunday at firecracker shops near Lanka Maidan in Lanka Tola, in Madhya Pradesh's Maihar district, causing chaos and panic. Four shops and goods worth several lakhs were completely destroyed. Preliminary reports suggest a cigarette spark may have ignited the dry firecrackers. The flames spread rapidly, with crackers bursting in the air, forcing locals to flee. Firefighters arrived promptly and managed to control the blaze, but significant damage had already occurred.

RSS-Govt Clash Hits Court: HC Wades Into K'taka March Ban, Political Row Heats Up

This special report focuses on the escalating friction in Karnataka between the state government and the RSS. The Karnataka High Court has directed the government to reconsider its denial of permission for route marches planned by both the RSS and the Bhim Army, suggesting separate time slots for the organisations on November 2nd. Defending his government against allegations of bias, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, 'Target RSS? no. Any organization.' He stated that the rules for holding events in public places were established under the previous BJP government. The controversy is heightened by the recent suspension of a Panchayat officer for attending an RSS event, which the BJP has decried. The bulletin also covers Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's praise for the RSS as it nears its centenary, lauding it as the world's largest organisation.

Congress Uses BJP's Own 2013 Rule To Target RSS In Karnataka? DK Shivakumar Makes Shock Claim

A political firestorm erupts in Karnataka as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar accuses the BJP of hypocrisy over Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities. Shivakumar claims the current Congress government is merely enforcing a 2013 circular, passed during the BJP's tenure under then-Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, which restricted non-educational events in schools. The statement from the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, was, 'we have only implemented the rule that was passed by the BJP, haven't redefined or made any changes.' The controversy centres on barring government employees from participating in RSS events, with Minister Priyank Kharge pushing for stringent action based on civil service conduct rules. The BJP has countered these claims, with former CM Jagadish Shettar stating the 2013 directive was not a statewide ban on the RSS.

Read Entire Article