The city of Ayodhya is gearing up for the visit of President Droupadi Murmu on March 19, with extensive arrangements being put in place. The road leading to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has been decorated with saffron flags and pennant banners, and workers have been putting up displays featuring the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Ayodhya District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde said, “We are making every effort to ensure a smooth and hassle-free event.” He noted that ‘VIP darshan’ will be suspended during the President’s visit, though general devotees will be allowed to visit the temple at other times.

Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover added, “Security arrangements are in place for the President’s entire route, from her airport arrival to the temple. We will also ensure that devotees coming for darshan face no inconvenience.”

President Murmu is scheduled to participate in a series of religious ceremonies at the Ram Mandir, including the installation of the Shri Ram Yantra on the temple’s second floor and Vedic rituals marking the Hindu New Year. A team of 51 Vedic scholars from southern India, Kashi, and Ayodhya, guided by priest Ganeshwar Shastri, will conduct the rituals, beginning at around 9 AM.

The President will also honour nearly 400 workers who contributed to the temple’s construction and hoist a flag at one of the outer temples along the parkota. Her convoy is expected to arrive at the temple complex around 11 AM, and she is likely to remain there for about four hours.

The event will host around 5,000 special guests, including religious and social leaders, while elaborate arrangements have been made for security, seating, transport, and accommodation. The temple trust has announced that additional shrines within the complex will be opened to devotees after the President’s programme, allowing approximately 5,000 pilgrims daily through a pass-based system.

Meanwhile, the city continues to see a surge in devotees. About 1,500 pilgrims from Punjab arrived on Saturday via a special train to offer prayers to Ram Lalla.