Post Ayodhya Verdict, Devotees Throng Town to Take Holy Dip in River Saryu on Kartik Purnima

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.