Ayodhya,

19 Feb (HS): Thousands of devout pilgrims are flocking to Ayodhya as the holy

city welcomes a large inflow of tourists lured by the Maha Kumbh celebrations.

Devotees from all over the country are flocking to the famed Shri Ram

Janmabhoomi Temple to offer prayers and partake in sacred rites, such as a

ceremonial bath in the consecrated waters. The growth in religious tourism has

spurred local officials to put in place strict security measures. To

effectively control crowds, Ayodhya SP Madhuvan Kumar Singh has methodically

divided the city into six zones and eleven sectors. Heavy police deployment,

including zone and sector-specific personnel, provides a regulated flow of

pilgrims seeking to see Ram Lalla.

Uttar

Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ascribed the city's growing significance

to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Statistics suggest a substantial

increase of visits, from 2.35 lakh in 2016-17 to 14-15 crore in 2024,

demonstrating both a growing regard for religious beliefs and a fuel for

regional economic growth.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi