Wed Jan 01 14:22:36 UTC 2025: ## Record Crowds Flood Ayodhya and Varanasi Temples for New Year
**Ayodhya, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, January 1, 2024** – The holy cities of Ayodhya and Varanasi witnessed an unprecedented surge in devotees on New Year’s Day, with hundreds of thousands flocking to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Temple respectively.
Authorities in Ayodhya estimated over five lakh devotees visited the newly consecrated Ram temple, with three lakh arriving on Wednesday alone. Devotees began queuing before sunrise for a glimpse of the Ram Lalla idol. The Ram Temple Trust attributed the massive turnout to the winter holidays and a growing preference for Ayodhya as a pilgrimage site over traditional hill stations. To manage the crowds, the city was divided into sectors and zones, with heavy police presence and traffic restrictions implemented. Additional viewing galleries were also set up to accommodate the influx.
Varanasi saw similarly large numbers, with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple reporting 3.5 lakh visitors by 4 pm. The crowds, which began gathering as early as 3 am, necessitated restrictions including the temporary suspension of “touch darshan” and vehicle bans in certain areas. Extensive security measures were implemented, involving the deployment of multiple security forces including the NDRF and PAC, to ensure public safety. Similar security arrangements were deployed at other prominent temples within the city.
Both temple administrations and local authorities praised the efficiency of their crowd management and security plans, emphasizing the peaceful and safe experience provided to the vast number of devotees.
First Piper 