Lucknow/ Bhopal June 17, 2026

Ayodhya witnessed a sea of devotion on Tuesday (June 16) as thousands of devotees thronged the revered Hanumangarhi temple on the occasion of Bada Mangal. According to reports from the early hours of the morning, worshippers lined up to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman, seeking blessings and taking part in special religious rituals. The temple complex and surrounding streets remained busy throughout the day as chants of "Jai Bajrang Bali" echoed in the holy city.

Devotees from different parts of Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states arrived to mark the occasion. Many carried flowers, sweets and offerings for the deity. Families, elderly pilgrims and young devotees patiently waited for darshan as priests conducted special pujas and recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa. Authorities made elaborate arrangements to manage the heavy rush. Security personnel were deployed at key points, while barricades and crowd-control measures helped ensure smooth movement of devotees. Medical and emergency teams were also kept on standby.

Bada Mangal holds a special place in the Awadh region and is regarded as one of the most important occasions dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Observed on Tuesdays during the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, the festival reflects a unique blend of religious devotion and community service. Alongside prayers and rituals, large-scale community kitchens, popularly known as Bhandaras, are organised across towns and villages. Volunteers distribute food, drinking water and refreshments to devotees and passers-by, continuing a tradition of selfless service associated with the festival.

At Hanumangarhi, one of Ayodhya's most prominent shrines, the celebrations carried added significance. Situated atop a hillock in the heart of the city, the temple is considered the guardian shrine of Ayodhya. According to local tradition, devotees first seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman here before proceeding to offer prayers at the city's Ram temples. The shrine is deeply linked with the Ramayana tradition. It is believed that Lord Hanuman stayed in Ayodhya to protect the city and remain in the service of Lord Ram after the latter's return from exile. Over the centuries, Hanumangarhi has grown into one of northern India's most important centres of Hanuman worship.

The celebrations also unfolded against the backdrop of the grand Ram Mandir, which has brought millions of pilgrims to Ayodhya in recent years. The increased footfall has renewed interest in the city's many historic shrines, including Hanumangarhi. As the day progressed, the stream of devotees showed little sign of slowing down. For many pilgrims, Bada Mangal was not only a day of worship but also an occasion to uphold the twin values of faith and service that have long defined this cherished tradition in the Awadh region.