The very strong heatwave across Uttar Pradesh has significantly decreased the number of people going to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, authorities stated on Sunday. A high ranking city official said that where over 100,000 people usually visit each day, now less than 40,000 are. On Saturday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) measured 42 degrees Celsius in Ayodhya and temperatures are likely to remain above 40 degrees for the next 72 hours.
Heatwave slashes footfall at Ram Temple
Officials in Ayodhya have confirmed that far fewer people are coming to worship because of the extreme heat. This fall in numbers is because of worries about health, as the temperature stays very high during the busiest times for visitors.
The IMD’s information showed a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius on Saturday. Temperatures are expected to be above 40 degrees for the next three days, and authorities think this will continue to make visitors and the services for them suffer.
Here are the key numbers shared by officials:
– Normal daily footfall: over one lakh
– Current daily footfall: below 40,000
– Saturday maximum temperature: 42 degrees Celsius
Relief measures for visitors
Special plans have been made to make things more comfortable for people still going to pay their respects. Anil Mishra, who is on the Ram Temple Trust, explained that air conditioned waiting areas are open, and these can hold approximately t hree thousand people at once.
Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi said the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation is using fogging equipment to spray water on Ram Path and the surrounding areas to lower the temperature. This is to lessen exposure to the sun while people are waiting in line and in processions in the open.
To summarise the visitor-focused steps:
– Air-cooled waiting halls for up to 3,000 devotees
– Water spraying with fogging machines on Ram Path
– Emphasis on shaded, cooler waiting zones
Adjusted rituals and offerings for Ram Lalla
Because of the intense heat, the things offered to the temple and the ceremonies have been altered to ensure the baby god is comfortable. Mishra said the aim is to keep him cool, give him fluids, and offer him foods that are light and good for this weather.
Officials say that lassi, and fruit juices, particularly mango juice, are given every day. A special blend of honey, yogurt, clarified butter and water is presented in a golden container. The daily food now includes a variety of fruits and yogurt, and is made up of things that are easily digested.
The statue of the baby god is being washed with cool water to fight the heat. Ram Lalla is being dressed in light cotton or very soft silk clothes. Air coolers have been put into the inner shrine to keep the temperature down during the day.
What officials say about the days ahead
The IMD says daytime temperatures will be over 40 degrees for the next 72 hours, so officials think the lower number of visitors will continue for a while. They said that the main things they are doing are continuing the ways to provide relief from the heat and making sure people can move around safely.
The Trust and the city government have said the current plans will continue for as long as the heat lasts. Officials also added that the ceremonies have been changed to prioritize comfort during this extreme heatwave and will be looked at again as the temperatures change.
At the moment, Ayodhya’s famous temple is dealing with both protecting visitors and keeping traditions going in this very extreme weather. As the temperatures stay high, how the city works together and how the temple adapts to the situation will be key to handling the large numbers of visitors in summer.
