Friday’s Vasant Panchami turned Ayodhya into a sea of yellow-clad devotees flocking to the Saryu River for the iconic holy immersion. This age-old tradition invokes Saraswati’s grace for wisdom and creativity, signaling winter’s end and nature’s rebirth.
With crowds swelling rapidly, security was fortified across all ghats. Police formed human chains, drones monitored overhead, and quick-response teams stood ready. Hygiene drives, ambulance services, and lost-and-found counters addressed every contingency, following thorough site evaluations.
The ghats overflowed from sunrise, with pilgrims dipping into the sacred waters amid Vedic mantras. The vibe was electric—children in basanti attire, elders leading prayers, all united in devotion.
A participant beamed, ‘This dip brought pure bliss. Vasant Panchami is sacred, and the setup here is flawless.’ Another shared, ‘We’ve savored Ram Lalla darshan, Bhagwat Katha, and now this bath before heading home. Heartfelt thanks to the administration.’
Gratitude poured in from all quarters, validating the meticulous planning. The festival’s essence lies in Saraswati worship, kite-flying, and seasonal feasts, but Ayodhya’s river bath remains unparalleled. Post-Ram Temple era, the site’s allure has surged, promising even larger gatherings.
Unofficial estimates suggest numbers rivaling last year’s 15 lakh-plus, cementing Ayodhya’s pilgrimage hotspot status. This celebration not only revives traditions but demonstrates India’s capacity for safe, grand-scale religious events, leaving lasting impressions on all attendees.