Ayodhya is abuzz with preparations for the grand Ram Navami celebrations, as the city braces for an unprecedented influx of devotees. The Ram Navami Mela kicks off on March 30, culminating in the main event on April 6. Authorities anticipate a record breaking crowd, over 50 lakh devotees expected to visit, creating an overwhelming demand for accommodation.
Finding a place to stay in Ayodhya has become increasingly difficult. Hotels and dharamshalas are nearly fully booked, with 90 per cent of rooms already reserved. The remaining 10 per cent are in high demand, with hoteliers inundated with multiple requests for every available spot.
With traditional lodging options exhausted, many pilgrims are turning to homestays, monasteries, temples, and ashrams, but these too are reaching full capacity, leaving thousands struggling to secure a stay. Kamlesh Srivastava, City President of the BJP, emphasised the unprecedented footfall: “Every day, 70,000 to 80,000 devotees are arriving for Ramlala’s darshan. Given the significance of Ramjanmotsav, over 50 lakh devotees are expected over the nine-day festival, with daily temple visits soaring to 2.5 to 3 lakh.”
Hoteliers confirm the severe accommodation crunch. Ramji Pandey, a hotelier, stated that bookings have been closed for weeks, yet they continue to receive over 50 room inquiries daily. Another hotel owner, Anoop Gupta, noted: “With exams over and the new academic session yet to begin, we’re witnessing a surge in bookings. A significant number of inquiries are coming from South India.” Aditya Sultania, manager of a well-known dharamshala, revealed that his facility has been fully occupied since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and remains booked until April 10. Homestay operator Sunil Gupta added, “Most homestay accommodations are reserved until April 8. Many devotees who stayed with us during Kumbh have recommended our services, fueling the advance rush.”
Traditionally, the Ram Navami Mela attracts 15 to 20 lakh devotees, but this year’s numbers are soaring due to the Pran Pratishtha of Ramlala. In just two months, Ayodhya has already witnessed over three crore pilgrims.
The nine-day celebrations will feature spiritual events such as Ram Katha, Ramnam Sankirtan, Navah Parayan, Yagya, and Havan across temples and monasteries, drawing devotees from across India and beyond.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a grand and seamless Ramjanmotsav. Devotees worldwide will be able to witness the Surya Tilak, the Lord’s Shringar, and the Abhishek through live telecasts. The celebrations will commence at 9:30 AM with Ramlala’s ritualistic Abhishek, continuing until 10:30 AM. Following a brief closure for decoration, the deity will be adorned with an elaborate shringar before the offering of 56 types of bhog. At precisely noon, the much-anticipated Surya Tilak will take place. LED screens installed across the city will allow devotees to witness the divine moment in real-time.
To accommodate the massive crowd, various arrangements are in place. Free prasad distribution will be organised at Angad Tila complex. The darshan path is being covered with matting to ensure comfort for barefoot devotees, while 200 water taps are being installed along the route for drinking water. Beyond temple rituals, daily recitations of the Valmiki Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas will take place, alongside yagyas and other sacred ceremonies in the Yagyashala.
Renowned storyteller Atul Krishna Bhardwaj will deliver Ram Katha at the Angad Tila complex. The entire temple complex will be adorned with elaborate decorations and vibrant lighting, creating an atmosphere of divine celebration. The entrance to the Ram Janmabhoomi Path will be beautifully decorated to welcome the millions of devotees flocking to Ayodhya for this historic occasion.
As the city gears up for its biggest Ram Navami celebration yet, the blend of tradition, devotion, and advanced scientific marvels like the Surya Tilak promises to make this year’s festivities truly unforgettable.
