PRAYAGRAJ: With the Maha Kumbh Mela going on in Prayagraj, traffic authorities placed strict rules to control the crowd. Traffic restrictions are also in place in other religious cities like Varanasi. Meanwhile, Ayodhya’s Ram Temple has changed its timings due to the high number of visitors.

Traffic Ban in Prayagraj

Prayagraj officials have announced new traffic rules ahead of February 12, which is Maghi Purnima. On this day, millions of devotees are expected to take a holy dip in the river.

To control overcrowding, the police banned vehicles inside the fair area since 4.00-am on Tuesday. From 5-pm the same day, the restriction will extend to the whole city. Devotees coming from outside must park their vehicles in designated parking areas. Even Kalpvasis, who stay near the Sangam for a specific period, will not be allowed to drive in the restricted areas. These rules will stay in place until all devotees leave the fair area. However, emergency services will be allowed.

After a tragic stampede on January 29 that killed at least 30 pilgrims, the government is being extra cautious. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with the police on Monday night and reviewed the arrangements. He instructed officials to use all available parking spaces, which can hold over 5 lakh vehicles.

Ram Mandir Changes Darshan Timings

Due to the huge crowds, Ayodhya’s Ram Temple has adjusted its 'darshan' (worship) timings. The temple will now open an hour earlier, from 6 AM to 10 PM every day. Previously, it used to open at 7.00 am.

The temple’s aarti schedule has also changed:

• Mangala Aarti now starts at 4.00 am instead of 4.30 am, followed by a short temple closure.
• Shringar Aarti will take place at 6.00 am, marking the temple's opening for visitors.
• Rajbhog will be offered at 12 noon, allowing devotees to have darshan.
• Sandhya Aarti will be held at 7 PM, during which the temple will close for 15 minutes.
• Shayan Aarti, the last prayer of the day, will now happen at 10 PM instead of 9:30 PM, after which the temple will close for the night.

Traffic Rules in Varanasi

In Varanasi, restrictions on outside vehicles are back in place. The ban was briefly lifted for a few hours on Saturday evening, but this caused heavy traffic jams across the city.

To ease congestion, buses and vehicles without Varanasi registration are being diverted to parking zones outside the city. More parking areas have also been set up at schools and colleges. Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal confirmed that these measures will continue to ensure smooth movement in the city.