Ayodhya gears up for grand 14 Koshi Parikrama starting Nov 9, expecting 1.5 lakh daily devotees

The 14 Koshi Parikrama in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is set to commence on November 9, aligning with the auspicious occasion of Akshay Navami. Following the recent consecration of Ram Lalla, this year's Parikrama is expected to draw millions of devotees, marking it as a significant religious gathering in the region. The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is making extensive preparations to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for the participants during this sacred journey.

The 14 Koshi Parikrama is a pivotal pilgrimage that spans approximately 42 kilometers around Ayodhya, starting from the banks of the Sarayu River. This year, it will be conducted alongside the Panchkosi Parikrama, which is scheduled to begin on November 12, coinciding with Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Last year, both Parikramas attracted around 25 lakh devotees, and officials anticipate an even larger turnout this year, highlighting the growing interest in these religious observances.

To accommodate the influx of pilgrims, the Yogi government has implemented comprehensive measures to provide essential services along the Parikrama route. Food and water stations are being established at strategic points to cater to the needs of the devotees. Additionally, medical camps equipped with healthcare professionals and supplies will be set up to address any health-related concerns that may arise during the pilgrimage. Traffic management strategies are also being prioritized, including the diversion of vehicular traffic and the installation of barricades to enhance safety and facilitate smooth movement along the route.

The Ram Temple Trust is actively collaborating with the Ayodhya district administration to ensure that adequate facilities are in place for the pilgrims. With projections indicating that approximately 1.5 lakh devotees will visit the Ram Temple each day during the Parikrama, the trust is focusing on the provision of sanitation facilities, security personnel, and first aid services to accommodate the large number of visitors. Specific areas along the route will be designated for rest and worship to enhance the overall experience for the participants.

In the lead-up to the event, local officials, including Ayodhya MLA Ved Prakash Gupta and District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh, have conducted inspections of the ongoing preparations. Their efforts include coordination with various departments to finalize logistical arrangements by November 7. Emphasizing the importance of accessibility, they are ensuring that the Parikrama routes are suitable for barefoot pilgrims and that public amenities are adequately distributed along the paths. The district administration has also engaged with local law enforcement to implement comprehensive security measures to ensure the safety of all participants during this major religious event.