A rare spiritual convergence turned Ayodhya into a sea of devotion on Saturday, as three major religious festivals—Ram Lalla’s Chhathi Utsav, Hanuman Jayanti, and Chaitra Purnima—were celebrated on the same day.
The city’s temples and the ghats along the sacred Sarayu River overflowed with lakhs of devotees chanting “Ram-Ram,” creating an atmosphere steeped in faith and fervor. Thanks to meticulous planning and tight security arrangements directed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the influx of devotees was managed smoothly. Worshippers were able to participate in rituals and seek darshan without any disruptions.
At the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Ram Lalla’s Chhathi Utsav was observed with deep devotion. The deity was offered a grand bhog of kadhi-chawal along with 56 other traditional dishes. A special aarti held at 12:30 PM drew thousands of worshippers who participated in collective prayers. Prominent temples including Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal, Shri Ram Vallabh Kunj, Lakshman Qila, and Rang Mahal also hosted elaborate rituals, drawing immense crowds throughout the day.
Simultaneously, Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially at the iconic Hanuman Garhi temple. Devotees thronged the temple from the early hours of the morning, as the sound of conch shells and temple bells filled the air. Across the city, Hanuman temples
in areas like Naka, Civil Lines, and Sahadatganj organised Ramayan recitations, Hanuman Chalisa, and Sunderkand readings.
Devotees were served prasad, adding to the joy and devotion of the occasion.
Chaitra Purnima further elevated the day’s spiritual significance. Devotees began arriving at the banks of the Sarayu before dawn for ritual baths, followed by offerings, prayers, and temple visits.
The entire city reverberated with bhajans dedicated to Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman, turning Ayodhya into a vibrant epicenter of spiritual celebration.
Community feasts (bhandaras) were organised at multiple locations, enhancing the sense of collective festivity
and devotion. The divine ambience of Ayodhya was felt in every corner—from temples to the riverbanks to residential lanes. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier instructed officials to ensure seamless arrangements for the day.
Under his leadership, crowd management, security, sanitation, and logistics were handled efficiently, ensuring a safe and fulfilling experience for pilgrims.
Senior Superintendent of Police Raj Karan Nayyar confirmed that robust security protocols were in place. “Devotees at the Ram Temple and Hanuman Garhi were provided with safe and organised access for darshan, adhering strictly to all safety norms,” he said.
Ayodhya, on this spiritually charged day, stood as a glowing symbol of India’s rich religious heritage and collective faith.
