AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh — As the vibrant festival of Vasant Panchami dawned on Friday, thousands of devotees converged on the banks of the holy Saryu River in Ayodhya for the traditional sacred dip. This ritual bath symbolizes the arrival of spring and marks the auspicious beginning of the season with blessings from Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and arts.
Local authorities have deployed extensive security measures to ensure a seamless experience amid the massive crowds. Police personnel are stationed at every key point along the ghats, with additional arrangements for crowd management, sanitation, and medical aid. Officials had pre-inspected the main bathing areas and festival zones to guarantee safety and smooth operations.
From early morning, pilgrims gathered at prominent ghats like Ram Ki Paidi, immersing themselves in the serene waters while chanting hymns and performing rituals. The atmosphere buzzed with devotion, as families and individuals sought spiritual purification ahead of temple visits and celebrations.
One devotee, fresh from the bath, shared with reporters, ‘This holy dip has filled me with immense joy and peace. Vasant Panchami holds great significance for us. The arrangements here are impeccable.’ Another pilgrim, after darshan of Ram Lalla, expressed gratitude to the administration: ‘We’ve attended Bhagwat Katha sessions and now head home after this blessed bath. Kudos to the government for the excellent facilities.’
Similar sentiments echoed across the crowds, with many praising the well-coordinated efforts. Vasant Panchami, dedicated to Saraswati, heralds the transition to warmer days, prompting devotees to pray for intellectual growth and artistic inspiration. In Ayodhya, the festival gains extra fervor post the Ram Temple consecration, drawing record footfalls.
While exact crowd figures are pending, past years have seen over 1.5 million visitors for this occasion, underscoring Ayodhya’s rising stature as a spiritual epicenter. The event not only reinforces cultural traditions but also highlights the region’s preparedness for mega religious gatherings.