Sawan Jhoola Mela opens in Ayodhya, 10 lakh devotees expected

The Sawan Jhoola Mela began in Ayodhya on Saturday, with an estimated 10 lakh devotees in attendance, according to administrative sources. The festival will run until 28 August. For the first time, the Ram Temple Trust has allowed common devotees to swing Ram Lalla at the event, said Mithilesh Nandini Sharan, a member of the Trust's religious committee.

Ritual in-charge Acharya Indradev Mishra said that due to security reasons, the Jhoola of Ram Lalla will be taken to Kuber Teela for the 'Jhoolan Vihar' ceremony. The Sawan Jhula has been decorated in over 5,000 temples across Ayodhya, with major temples including Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and Kanak Bhawan drawing special attention. Monday will also mark the Naag Panchami festival at the Nageshwar Nath Temple.

Security has been tightened across Ayodhya, with the area divided into six zones and 29 sectors. SP City Ayodhya Chakrapani Tripathi said that adequate police force, including women personnel, PAC, RAF, ATS commandos, and SDRF teams, has been deployed. Drone cameras and CCTV systems will monitor the event, with special focus on crowd control and traffic arrangements, said SSP Gaurav Grover.