Ayodhya Crowds Surge After Prayagraj Kumbh, Champat Rai Calls for Delayed Visits to Ensure Safety
Ayodhya Sees Unprecedented Crowds as Devotees Arrive After Prayagraj Kumbh, Champat Rai Urges Delayed Visits for Safety
As millions of pilgrims make their way to Ayodhya after visiting the Prayagraj Kumbh, the city is witnessing an extraordinary surge in visitors, resulting in severe crowding. In response to this overwhelming influx, Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has appealed to devotees from nearby districts to delay their visits for Lord Ram’s darshan (sight) by at least 15 to 20 days. This appeal comes as the crowds arriving in Ayodhya are putting strain on the city’s infrastructure and crowd management resources.
Respected Devotees,
Jai Shri Ram!
The ‘Mukhya Snan’ (main bathing ritual) for Mauni Amavasya at Kumbh in Prayagraj will take place on the January 29, 2025. It is estimated that approximately 10 crore devotees will take a holy dip in Prayagraj on this auspicious day. A large…
— Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra (@ShriRamTeerth) January 28, 2025
In a tweet, Champat Rai highlighted that the number of devotees in Ayodhya has increased drastically over the last three days, creating difficulties for both the devotees and the city. “Given the size and population of Ayodhya, it is becoming extremely difficult to manage such large crowds for darshan of Ram Lalla in a single day. The situation has created challenges, including excessive walking and long waiting times for devotees,” he said, urging devotees to plan their visits for later dates to ensure smoother experiences for all.
The Surge in Ayodhya’s Pilgrimage Traffic
The religious fervor surrounding the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has caused a massive surge of devotees to travel to Ayodhya. Following the main bath on Mauni Amavasya (January 29), which is expected to see over 10 million people gathered in Prayagraj, many are heading to Ayodhya for a glimpse of Lord Ram at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. On any given day, Ayodhya is now witnessing the arrival of 10 to 15 lakh (1-1.5 million) devotees.
The city, known for its spiritual significance, has made special arrangements to accommodate the growing number of visitors, particularly for crowd control and ensuring safety during the cold weather. Security forces, including ATS (Anti-Terrorist Squad) personnel and commandos, have been deployed to maintain order. Balramachari Dubey, the Security Superintendent of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, stated, “The number of devotees coming from Prayagraj after the holy dip is increasing steadily. We have taken adequate measures to ensure the safety of everyone, including deploying additional security forces.”
Special Arrangements for Devotees
Ayodhya Commissioner Gaurav Dayal recently announced that extensive preparations have been made to accommodate the large crowds visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, especially after the Mauni Amavasya snan. He emphasized that the city expects an even greater influx following the bath, which has long been one of the most significant dates in the Kumbh Mela calendar. “Given the huge number of devotees traveling from Prayagraj and other regions, we are working diligently to ensure safety and crowd management, with special arrangements being made for their comfort,” Dayal said.
To facilitate better crowd control, efforts are underway to expand capacity at key locations, ensuring there is enough room for all devotees to pay their respects without facing unnecessary hardship. Furthermore, the city authorities are anticipating that the weather will improve after Vasant Panchami (February 3), providing a more comfortable experience for those who visit later in the month.
The Maha Kumbh and Its Impact on Ayodhya
The ongoing Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and will continue until February 26, has seen a continuous flow of devotees heading to Prayagraj for the holy dips. With key bathing dates such as Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), and Maghi Purnima (February 12) still ahead, it’s expected that the rush of pilgrims to Ayodhya will continue for several more weeks. Each of these dates draws millions of people to Prayagraj, and many then make their way to Ayodhya to seek darshan at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
With the rising number of devotees and increased pressure on the city’s infrastructure, Champat Rai’s call for a delayed visit from those living in nearby areas aims to reduce congestion and provide a more peaceful experience for everyone. His appeal stresses the importance of prioritizing the comfort and safety of pilgrims during this busy period.
What’s Next for Ayodhya?
The upcoming weeks are expected to remain busy in Ayodhya as the city continues to host an ever-growing number of devotees. However, with weather conditions expected to improve after Vasant Panchami and enhanced crowd management measures in place, authorities are hopeful that the situation will stabilize.
Additionally, with the ongoing efforts from the Uttar Pradesh government, the Yogi Adityanath administration has shifted its full attention toward preparing for the main bathing dates of the Maha Kumbh and the influx of pilgrims heading to Ayodhya. Given the scale of the crowd, authorities are continuously updating their plans to accommodate visitors, ensuring their safety and well-being while maintaining the sanctity of the religious sites.
Conclusion: A Pilgrimage of Devotion and Careful Management
As millions of pilgrims continue to flock to Ayodhya after visiting Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, the city faces a unique challenge in managing the unprecedented crowds. With safety measures in place and thoughtful appeals from religious leaders like Champat Rai, Ayodhya hopes to provide a fulfilling yet safe experience for all devotees. The coming weeks will test the city’s preparedness for handling such a massive influx of visitors, and the cooperation of pilgrims will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations at this sacred site.