Ayodhya is preparing for major changes in security and darshan arrangements at the Ram temple in view of the likely heavy crowd during the Sawan Jhula Mela and Kanwar Yatra.
Entry into the temple complex from August 8 to 11 and August 23 to 28 without a pass for ordinary devotees may be prohibited, administrative sources told PTI. If the crowd becomes too large, darshan at all six sub-temples in the parkota may also be temporarily stopped, while the option of extending the duration of Ram Lalla darshan has been kept open.
The administration estimates that 10 to 15 lakh devotees may reach Ayodhya during the Sawan festival. Even on normal days, a footfall of two to three lakh devotees daily is being anticipated during August. The highest crowd of Kanwariya pilgrims is expected on August 10, the second Monday of Sawan.
Under the proposed arrangement, only pass holders will be allowed entry to Sapt Mandapam and Kuber Navratna Tila. Under the general darshan arrangement currently in force, 1,500 passes are issued in separate two-hour slots. These passes are made online through the official website of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The Kanwar Yatra, during which lakhs of devotees fetch holy water from the Ganga in Haridwar to offer at Shiva temples in their hometowns, will be held from July 30 to August 11.
Circle Officer (Ayodhya) Ashutosh Tiwari said the number of CCTV cameras is being increased during the festival. A public address system, additional lighting arrangements, pilgrim facilitation centres, lost-and-found centres, additional police force, PAC and water police will be deployed across the entire area. Security at Saryu ghats and major temples — Nageshwarnath, Ksheereshwarnath, Hanumangarhi and Kanak Bhawan — will also be strengthened.
Superintendent of Police (Security) for the Ram temple, Vijay Shankar Mishra, said arrangements remain unchanged for now, but route diversions and other restrictions will be implemented according to the crowd. Security review meetings have already been held under the chairmanship of DIG Ayodhya range Somen Barma, while the final security roadmap will be approved in a meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Suraksha Samanvay Samiti.
The district administration said the Ram temple has the capacity to facilitate darshan for about two lakh devotees daily. If a larger crowd gathers, devotees will be allowed darshan in a phased manner through regulated routes.
Ayodhya tightens security and darshan rules at Ram temple ahead of Sawan Jhula Mela and Kanwar Yatra.
When faith draws millions, order becomes the first offering.
