Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the organization of a 24-hour Akhand Paath (non-stop recitation) of Ramcharitmanas at temples across all districts on the occasion of Chaitra Ramnavami. The recitation at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya will begin on the afternoon of April 5 and conclude on April 6 at 12 noon with the surya tilak ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol.
The UP government confirmed that arrangements have already begun at temples across the state.
In a review meeting with senior officials, CM Adityanath said that a number of devotees are expected to visit major temples, such as the Devipatan temple in Balrampur, Shakumbhari Devi temple in Saharanpur, and Vindhyavasini Devi Dham in Mirzapur, during the Chaitra Navratri celebrations.
“Devotees from across the country may visit Ayodhya for the surya tilak ceremony. Therefore, all arrangements must be made to ensure their comfort and safety. Jute matting should be spread in long queues to protect devotees from the sun, and adequate drinking water facilities, as well as canopies, should be provided at all temples,” CM Adityanath instructed.
The Chief Minister ordered that no egg or meat shops be allowed near temples during this period and instructed authorities to enforce strict measures to prevent illegal slaughtering.
Additionally, both the urban and rural development departments have been tasked with running special campaigns to maintain cleanliness around temples, in both cities and villages. Extra sanitation workers will be deployed, and the police will implement a robust crowd management plan to ensure smooth and safe foot traffic, the statement added.
