India, Dec. 29 -- As the New Year approaches, devotees from across the country have started thronging major temple towns and cities in Uttar Pradesh to welcome the year 2026 with prayers, prompting authorities to put in place elaborate crowd management and security arrangements.
From Mathura-Vrindavan to Ayodhya and Varanasi, police and temple administrations are on high alert as lakhs of visitors are expected over the New Year's Eve and the following weekend, officials said. Ayodhya has seen a steady rise in arrivals despite severe cold and foggy conditions, with devotees visiting Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanumangarhi ahead of the New Year. "Security has been strengthened with intensive checking, zoning and increased patrolling," Superintenden...