Pune has entered the Guinness World Records after 38,233 oil lamps were lit in front of the historic Shaniwar Wada on Saturday, November 7, 2026, forming the words “Vande Mataram” as part of a grand Deepotsav celebrating 150 years of India’s national song.

Organised by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) under the theme ‘Honouring the National Song, Pune’s Pride’, the lamp-lighting ceremony saw the record number of diyas illuminated in just 30 minutes. The civic body had set a target of lighting more than 36,000 lamps to secure a place in the Guinness World Records.

Around 250 young volunteers, many of them from Gen Z, took part in the exercise. Rows of oil lamps had been arranged in advance in the courtyard of Shaniwar Wada. Once the lighting began, the diyas gradually illuminated the historic premises, bringing the words “Vande Mataram” to life. (Pune News)

A Guinness World Records team was present at the venue to verify the arrangement and witness the lamp-lighting process. Official adjudicator Swapnil Dangrikar announced the achievement and presented the certificate, triggering celebrations among the thousands gathered at the venue.

The crowd responded with chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, while a military band performed patriotic songs during the evening.

The event was conceptualised by Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure as a tribute to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. She thanked the young volunteers for their contribution and said the PMC had undertaken the initiative to mark the milestone. She also said that the PMC was the only local self-government body in the country to achieve a world record through an initiative of this kind.

The ceremony also honoured 50 mothers and wives of soldiers who lost their lives in service to the nation, recognising their sacrifices and contribution.

Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal, Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, MLA Hemant Rasane, Deputy Mayor Parshuram Wadekar, Standing Committee Chairman Srinath Bhimale and senior military officers attended the event, along with senior PMC officials and other dignitaries.

The achievement marks a memorable moment for Pune, with the large-scale lighting of diyas bringing together residents, young volunteers and civic authorities in a celebration of the national song and a tribute to the Indian armed forces. (Pune News)

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