Devotee Deluge: New Year's Eve Celebrations at UP's Sacred Temple Towns

Temple towns in Uttar Pradesh like Ayodhya and Varanasi saw massive crowds flocking for New Year's celebrations. Highlights include the Ram temple consecration at Ayodhya and record visits at Kashi Vishwanath temple. Authorities ensured safety with security measures and crowd management strategies, enhancing the pilgrim experience.

New Year's Eve brought an influx of devotees to Uttar Pradesh's temple towns, notably Ayodhya and Varanasi. The Ram temple in Ayodhya, consecrated last year, attracted over five lakh devotees, while Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath temple recorded eight lakh visits.

On Wednesday morning, Ayodhya administration reported a sharp increase in visitor numbers, with over three lakh arrivals following New Year's Eve celebrations. Similarly, the crowd at Varanasi's shrine was palpable, beginning at 3 am and persisting till late evening.

Authorities implemented extensive security measures and crowd control strategies, such as dividing cities into sectors and deploying police personnel. The pilgrims' enthusiasm showcased significant local engagement, with facilities fully booked and visitor numbers exceeding expectations.

(With inputs from agencies.)