Record 30 lakh devotees perform 14 Kosi Parikrama in Ayodhya

As many as 30 lakh devotees completed the 14 Kosi Parikrama in Ayodhya , the largest turnout in the holy city since the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram, an official said.

The Parikrama was completed as per the auspicious time, breaking all previous records with an estimated 30 lakh devotees taking part in it, under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh said.

The official said crowds began assembling late at night for the Parikrama, which actually started before auspicious time. Many devotees cheered excitedly chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' as they covered the 42 km route in five hours.

Crowd build-up was massive between 11 pm and 7 am, challenging smooth movement on the tracks along the Parikrama path, said he.

This is for the first time devotees have completed the 14 Kosi Parikrama, visiting over 5,000 temples, including the grand Lord Shri Ramlala temple in Ayodhya.

Many devotees were seen bathing in the Saryu Sunday morning before beginning their Parikrama, visiting Hanumangarhi and Ramlala temples, the official said.

The state government and civic agencies had made arrangements for smooth conduct of Parikrama amid tight security.

The entire route has refreshment stalls set up by different organisations, while rest cabins and mobile toilets were set up by the Municipal Corporation, said the official.

Food stalls remained busy throughout the night, said the official.

Over 150 changing rooms have also been constructed at different ghats for the convenience of pilgrims, said the official.

Even the significance of Parikrama is enough to attract thousands of devotees from Bahraich, Sitapur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bareilly, Gonda, Prayagraj and even Nepal.

Returns of many are expected on Tuesday who will complete the Panchkosi Parikrama, said the official.