Kumar Bahukhandi
A Record Written in Light: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai receives the Golden Book of World Records recognition for the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ initiative after more than 25 lakh diyas were reported lit in Raipur on September 17, 2026. The Chhattisgarh government said the State-wide participation crossed 1.50 crore diyas, with citizens joining the programme from villages to cities-Photo Credit:channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Chhattisgarh government says more than 1.50 crore diyas were lit across the State; Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary calls the participation a symbol of collective resolve
Key Highlights
- ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ has been entered in the Golden Book of World Records.
- More than 25 lakh diyas were reported lit in Raipur.
- The Chhattisgarh government says more than 1.50 crore diyas were lit across the State.
- Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary described the programme as a demonstration of widespread public participation.
- The initiative forms part of the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
Raipur: The ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ initiative has been entered in the Golden Book of World Records following a mass lamp-lighting programme in Raipur that saw more than 25 lakh diyas illuminated, according to the Chhattisgarh government said here om Friday , September 18, 2026 .
The programme was held as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years in elected executive office. The State government said more than 1.50 crore diyas were lit across Chhattisgarh as citizens, social organisations and public representatives participated from villages to cities.
The Golden Book recognition was announced during the programme, and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated Raipur residents, participating organisations, volunteers, public representatives and the district administration. Contemporary reports from the event confirm both the 25-lakh-plus Raipur figure and the announcement of the record recognition.
From Raipur to the Rest of Chhattisgarh
The scale of the programme extended beyond the principal events in the capital. According to the government figures released on Friday, more than 1.50 crore lamps were lit across Chhattisgarh, with participation from citizens and organisations in different districts.
Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary described the achievement as reflecting the scale of public participation and collective resolve demonstrated during the programme.
“The lighting of more than 25 lakh diyas in Raipur and more than 1.50 crore diyas across the State reflects the enthusiasm of the people of Chhattisgarh and the scale of public participation,” Choudhary said.
He said the initiative went beyond ceremonial lamp-lighting and was intended to connect public participation with the themes of service, governance and nation-building.
“It was not merely an event of lighting lamps, but became a collective celebration of public participation in the spirit of service, good governance and nation-building,” he said.
Record Recognition for Mass Participation
The Golden Book certificate shown with Chief Minister Sai describes the achievement as the “Largest Display of Oil Lamps” and records the Raipur event held on September 17, 2026.
The recognition gives another dimension to an initiative that had already produced striking scenes across the capital, where roads, public spaces and the Marine Drive area at Telibandha were illuminated with rows of earthen lamps. Reports from the event said the illuminated route extended through several prominent parts of Raipur before reaching the main venue at Telibandha.
Across Chhattisgarh, the programme sought to associate the lighting of diyas with the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and its broader message of public service and participation.
The campaign is scheduled to continue until October 17, with activities related to service and community participation planned across the State.
