Starting the New Year with the blessings of Lord Ram is a desire for many. Yet, if you wish to seek the peace and tranquility of a visit to Ram Lalla, making plans to travel to Ayodhya right now might not be advisable. Recently, Ayodhya has become the most crowded religious site in the country for New Year's celebrations. The scene is such that the early morning sees miles-long lines of devotees for the Sarayu Snan, Ram Lalla Durbar, and Hanumangarhi darshan. Particularly on December 31 and January 1, the throng of devotees and tourists is so large that you might have to wait for hours to enter the Ram Temple.
The intense crowd pressure often forces the administration to close the main roads and lanes for security purposes, leading to a day spent entirely in queues. With such a heavy influx of people, even walking becomes a challenge, and the lines outside the temple compound seem endless. This adds to the test of your patience along with your faith. So, why should one consider avoiding Ayodhya at the New Year, and what are the specific challenges?
Unveiling of a 300 million worth gold and jeweled statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya
Lodging Crisis and Weather Woes
Discussing accommodation, most hotels, inns, and homestays in Ayodhya during the New Year period are completely booked. Finding a place to stay becomes quite difficult for travelers, with substantial increases in available accommodation rates. Additionally, January marks the coldest month in Ayodhya, where intense fog causes trains to be delayed for several hours, posing significant challenges for travelers at stations and along routes.
Advise for Vrindavan: Stay Alert, Crowds from Khatu Shyam to Ayodhya... New Year Plans Could Go Awry
To enjoy a peaceful and comfortable darshan, plan your visit to Ayodhya after the New Year holidays. Lesser crowds would allow a serene visit to Ram Lalla, without any major issues with lodging or commuting. It is wise to wait a while to fully cherish your devotion and faith. Thus, avoiding the crowds and harsh cold by postponing your trip until after the holidays will indeed be a pleasant choice for you.
