Ayodhya Preparations for Major Festivals: Enhancing Facilities and Security for Devotees

KKN Gurugram Desk | As the major festivals approach, particularly Ram Navami, the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation has stepped up its efforts to provide comprehensive facilities and ensure the comfort of the thousands of devotees expected to visit the holy city. With the summer season in full swing, special arrangements will be made to protect the visitors from the harsh sun and heat. These initiatives focus on providing shade, clean drinking water, and improving the overall infrastructure to manage the large influx of visitors during the upcoming festivals.

Municipal Commissioner Santosh Kumar Sharma conducted a review on Wednesday, specifically in the Hanumangarhi area, Ram Path, Ram Katha Park, and Dharmpath. He closely inspected all the arrangements made by the municipal corporation to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. He assured that sufficient shade arrangements would be made to ensure the comfort of devotees, especially considering the ongoing summer season.

Key Arrangements for Pilgrims: Shade and Clean Drinking Water

The Municipal Commissioner, Santosh Kumar Sharma, emphasized that arrangements for shade and drinking water would be prioritized. Specifically, at the Hanumangarhi area, near the public toilets, a water kiosk would be set up along with signage indicating the availability of clean drinking water. As part of these arrangements, a permanent water kiosk will also be installed on the Dharmpath route to ensure a steady supply of clean drinking water for all pilgrims.

The administration has planned these efforts to ensure that pilgrims can visit Ayodhya comfortably despite the rising temperatures. To further ensure the safety and comfort of the visitors, other amenities like public toilets and regular cleaning of the pilgrimage routes will also be provided.

Increased Security Measures at Ayodhya

In light of the large crowds expected during the Ram Navami festival, Ayodhya’s municipal authorities have collaborated with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to enhance security and manage the crowd effectively. With the anticipation of heavy footfall, particularly after the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha, the festival is expected to attract significant numbers of devotees.

In order to ensure safe travel for the pilgrims and maintain crowd control, the RPF has begun setting up barricades and ramping up their efforts to manage the situation at the Ayodhya Dham Junction. Approximately 220 cameras will be used to monitor circulating areas and platforms, ensuring real-time surveillance during the festival period.

Enhanced Entry and Exit Systems

Security measures have been improved at Ayodhya Dham Junction. To prevent unauthorized access, barricading work has been set up around the station premises, using bamboo and tin structures. Solid barricades will also be deployed to secure the entry and exit points. For smooth and controlled movement of pilgrims, two ramped exits and three entry points will be created. At each entry point, bag scanners and door frame metal detectors (DFMD) will be active to ensure the safety of all devotees.

In case of any emergency, an additional exit has been reserved to facilitate quick evacuation. To further strengthen the security, the RPF has requested additional personnel. Out of the 150 personnel requested, 80 have already been deployed to manage the security arrangements.

The Role of CCTV Surveillance for the Nine-Day Festival

For the upcoming Basanti Navratri festival at Maa Kamakhya Dham, which is set to begin on March 30, 2025, comprehensive security measures will be implemented, including CCTV surveillance. In a meeting held on Tuesday at the Maa Kamakhya Dham guest house, the festival committee discussed preparations for the festival. The meeting, attended by Shailendra Kumar Azad, the station officer at Baba Bazaar Police Station, also included discussions about ensuring the safety and security of devotees.

Sheela Shukla, the Chairman of the Maa Kamakhya Dham Nagar Panchayat, confirmed that CCTV cameras would be installed at strategic locations within the festival grounds. This initiative aims to monitor activities within the area and ensure that the devotees’ experience remains secure throughout the nine-day festival.

Managing Large Crowds and Ensuring Public Safety

The Ayodhya Ram Navami Festival has always attracted large crowds of devotees from all over the country, especially since the installation of Ram Lalla’s idol. The festival’s significance has increased over time, and Ayodhya has become a central hub for thousands of devotees seeking blessings during Ram Navami. The festival includes various rituals, processions, and prayers that attract both domestic and international pilgrims.

In response to the expected high turnout, Ayodhya’s local authorities have taken several steps to manage the crowd effectively. Increased police presence, along with the deployment of RPF officers, is a significant part of these arrangements. These efforts aim to ensure that the large crowds are managed efficiently, and no untoward incidents occur.

The city has also made arrangements to accommodate pilgrims by enhancing transportation facilities, ensuring smooth movement to and from major pilgrimage sites such as Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanumangarhi, and Ram Katha Park.

Collaboration with Local Authorities and Stakeholders

The Ayodhya administration has collaborated with local stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the arrangements for the festival. This includes cooperation from various government departments, including the water supply department, sanitation authorities, and the police force. Their combined efforts will make sure that the festival proceeds smoothly without any disruptions.

Additionally, the city’s local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, are gearing up to provide essential services to the pilgrims. These establishments will ensure that the visitors have access to food, water, and other necessary amenities throughout their stay.

Special Arrangements for Non-Resident Pilgrims

Special arrangements have also been made for non-resident pilgrims who might require assistance during their visit. Temporary help desks will be set up at various points across the city to provide directions, distribute maps, and offer guidance. These help desks will be staffed by volunteers who will assist the visitors in navigating the city during the festival.

In addition, emergency medical services will be readily available at key locations in the city, particularly near the major temples and pilgrimage sites. Medical teams will be stationed at strategic points to handle any health-related emergencies, particularly given the rising temperatures and the large crowds.

The Ayodhya Ram Navami Festival and the Basanti Navratri Festival are two of the most significant events in the city, and with thousands of devotees expected, the authorities have taken every step to ensure a seamless and safe experience for all. The Municipal Corporation‘s focus on providing shade, clean water, and sanitation facilities will go a long way in making the pilgrims’ visit comfortable, while the enhanced security measures will ensure their safety throughout the festival period.

With the collaborative efforts of the RPF, local police, municipal authorities, and other stakeholders, Ayodhya will be able to accommodate the large number of pilgrims in a secure and organized manner. The introduction of CCTV surveillance and the deployment of extra security personnel will add an extra layer of safety, ensuring that any potential issues are swiftly addressed.