AYODHYA: Amidst the lethal run of the Covid second wave, Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya was shut on Ram Navami day and the temple town remained under virtual curfew with all major shrines, including Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhavan and Dashrath Mahal closed for pilgrims. With borders sealed for devotees, including Kumbh seers returning from Haridwar, even Ram ki Paidi on the Saryu banks was deserted with all entry points to the ghats barricaded.
Barring a fleeting glimpse of stray monkeys and cops at checkpoints, silence shrouded Ayodhya, a town which would be agog with Vedic chants and hymns on Lord Ram’s birthday.