Ayodhya is preparing for a massive influx of pilgrims during the upcoming Sawan Jhula Mela and Kanwar Yatra, with authorities expecting between 10 lakh and 15 lakh devotees over the festival period. To manage the anticipated rush at the Ram Mandir, officials are planning enhanced security measures, regulated entry and possible changes to the darshan schedule.

The administration is considering introducing a pass-based entry system on peak days, extending Ram Lalla darshan hours if required and restricting access to certain parts of the temple complex to ensure smooth crowd management and the safety of devotees.

Pass-Based Entry Planned for Peak Days

According to administrative sources, entry to parts of the Ram Mandir complex may be restricted to pass holders during the busiest periods of the pilgrimage season.

Ordinary devotees may not be permitted to enter the temple complex without a pass between August 8 and 11 and again from August 23 to 28, when the highest footfall is expected.

Authorities are also considering temporarily suspending darshan at all six sub-temples located inside the parkota if crowd levels become unmanageable. Darshan timings for Ram Lalla may be extended to accommodate additional devotees.

Daily Footfall Expected to Cross Two Lakh

Officials estimate that the Ram Mandir will receive between two lakh and three lakh devotees every day throughout August, even outside the peak festival dates.

The largest gathering is expected on August 10, the second Monday of the holy month of Sawan, when thousands of Kanwariya pilgrims are likely to visit Ayodhya.

Under the proposed arrangements, only pass holders will be allowed to enter Sapt Mandapam and Kuber Navratna Tila.

At present, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust issues 1,500 passes in separate two-hour slots through its official website under the general darshan system.

Security Measures to Be Enhanced

Authorities are also strengthening security arrangements across Ayodhya ahead of the festival season.

Circle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari said additional CCTV cameras are being installed across the city. The administration will also deploy more police personnel, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) teams, water police, public address systems, extra lighting, pilgrim facilitation centres and lost-and-found centres.

Security will be intensified at the Saryu ghats and major temples, including Nageshwarnath, Ksheereshwarnath, Hanumangarhi and Kanak Bhawan.

Crowd Management Plan Under Review

Superintendent of Police (Security) Vijay Shankar Mishra said no changes have been implemented so far, but route diversions and crowd-control measures will be introduced depending on the number of pilgrims arriving.

Senior officials have already held security review meetings under DIG Ayodhya Range Somen Barma, while the final security blueprint will be approved by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Suraksha Samanvay Samiti.

The district administration said the Ram Mandir has the capacity to facilitate darshan for around two lakh devotees each day. If the number of visitors exceeds that limit, devotees will be allowed entry in phases through regulated routes to ensure orderly movement within the temple complex.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share