New Delhi: Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations set a remarkable world record as more than 25 lakh earthen lamps illuminated the banks of the Sarayu river, creating a mesmerizing golden glow across the holy city. Originally aiming to light over 28 lakh diyas, organizers succeeded in lighting exactly 25,12,585 diyas, marking a new global achievement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the spectacular display, calling it "amazing, incomparable, and unimaginable," and extended congratulations to the people of Ayodhya for their devotion. "This Jyotiparva, illuminating the sacred birthplace of Ram Lalla, is filled with emotion. This radiance from Ayodhya Dham will fill every household across the country with renewed energy," the Prime Minister shared online.

The Deepotsav, showcasing Ayodhya’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, featured performances by artists from Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia, alongside a Ram Leela from Uttarakhand. Performers from various Indian states added further color to the celebrations.

“This is the first Deepotsav following the consecration of the Ram Mandir, and every effort was made to bring grandeur and divinity to the celebrations,” shared UP Minister Jaiveer Singh.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led an 'aarti' at the event and took part in a ceremonial chariot pull. As a highlight of the occasion, 18 elaborate tableaux were created by Saket Mahavidyalaya, depicting scenes from Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, including Bal Kand, Ayodhya Kand, and Sundar Kand, among others.

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Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.

The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.

The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.

“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.

“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.

Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.

Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.

Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.

“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.