Kartik Purnima: Devotees take holy dip amid high security in Ayodhya

A large number of devotees began taking a holy dip in the Sarayu river on Kartik Purnima amid tight security in Ayodhya on Tuesday, the first religious congregation in the temple town since the judgement in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Barbi Masjid case.

People began flocking to the ghats since early the hours amid chants of "Sita Ram" playing on loudspeakers in the streets, while many devotees who came from neighbouring districts in Uttar Pradesh camped overnight near the river.

"I took the holy dip at 2 am. I have been coming here every Kartik Purnima for the last 20 years," said Kolhai, a farmer who came from a village in Gorakhpur.

"The feeling of taking a holy dip on this day is totally divine. That is why we come here," the 62-year-old said. "And, this time, it is more special as the Supreme Court verdict has just paved the way for building a temple for our Ram Lalla."
"People in my village told me there is so much security in Ayodhya, movement has been restricted or regulated in many areas," the farmer said. "But, I had to come to seek the blessings of 'Prabhu Shri Ram' on this auspicious occasion. And he's my ultimate protector, so I had no fear."
"This arrangement has been in place since Friday night, the day the verdict timing was announced. It is likely to remain for another week or so to ensure foolproof security," a police officer said. "Also, in view of Kartik Purnima, security forces are on extra vigil."
"The auspicious period for the holy dip began at 5.34 pm on Monday and will go on till 6.42 pm on Tuesday," he told PTI. "We are expecting lakhs of people to converge on this occasion. Adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure nothing untoward happens as it is a sensitive time post the judgement."