Ayodhya, the temple town, has witnessed an unprecedented influx of over 50 lakh devotees in just 72 hours, as the city observed the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya. The surge in pilgrim numbers has brought the city to life, with devotees flocking to the Saryu River for a holy dip before heading to the grand Ram Temple to offer prayers.
On the early morning of Mauni Amavasya, the air was filled with reverberating chants of “Shri Ram” as pilgrims silently took a dip in the sacred Saryu River, one of the key rituals of the day. Following their purification, many proceeded to the Ram Temple, where long queues stretched outside, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. The pilgrims also visited Hanumangarhi, another popular temple in the region.
The surge in visitors wasn’t limited to Ayodhya alone. Pilgrims from the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj have made their way to Ayodhya as well, contributing to the massive turnout. Local businesses, including hoteliers, prasad vendors, and homestay operators, have experienced a significant boost in sales due to the rising number of devotees. The holy city’s economic activity has picked up considerably, with the hospitality sector seeing an uptick in bookings as pilgrims choose to stay longer.
The Uttar Pradesh government has made elaborate arrangements to handle the crowd and ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had already instructed officials to manage the huge crowds efficiently, and top government officials were seen overseeing the smooth conduct of the rituals.
Authorities have taken strict measures to manage the influx. Vehicle entry has been restricted in the temple town, and there has been a heavy deployment of police officers at strategic points. The Health Department has been placed on high alert, with emergency services available round-the-clock. In total, 13 temporary health camps have been set up, and all medical professionals have been asked to remain on duty until Basant Panchami, February 26.
As the final significant snan date for this period, Basant Panchami is expected to see even more devotees descend on the city. With the massive crowd gathering to mark this religious occasion, Ayodhya remains a center of spiritual significance and economic activity, embodying both tradition and community support.
Sources By Agencies