The two-day 24-Kosi Parikrama in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal commenced on Saturday, drawing lakhs of devotees who undertook the sacred circumambulation, marking the revival of an ancient religious tradition that had been halted for 46 years following communal disturbances in 1978.
Authorities are emphasising cleanliness, safety, and convenience for devotees participating in the festivals, which attract large gatherings from across the country.
Ayodhya officials have begun action to ban meat sales along key religious routes like Ram Path and Dharma 14 Kosi Marg, issuing notices to shopkeepers after complaints were raised at CM Yogi Adityanath's Janata Darbar. A liquor ban is also being planned, the mayor said.
Around 30 lakh people gathered in Ayodhya to perform the Chaudah Kosi Parikrama. The Parikrama is a Hindu ritual that involves circumnavigating around an object of reverence. The parikrama was held on Kartik Akshaya Navami.
After the successful celebrations of Deepotsav 2023 in Ayodhya, the Yogi Adityanath government is all set to offer better health services to the lakhs of devotees arriving from all corners of the country for the upcoming Kartik Snan Mela, 14 Kosi Parikrama and Panchkosi Parikrama of Ayodhya,