Festivals in Ayodhya

Ramnavami
Falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra (March-April), when people from all parts of the country gather on the banks of river Saryu. The Birth of Lord Rama is celebrated at midnight, Ayodhya is filled with the sound of conches and bells.

Shravan Jhoola Mela
Commeences on the third day of the second half of Shrevana (July-August) and lasts ill the end of the month. The images of the seities (specially of Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita) are swung in the temples and then taken to Mani Parvat, where a big gathering joins in swinging these idols. The deities are later brought back to the temples.



Parikramas
Ayodhya is perhaps the most noted place in northern India where parikramas are undertaken by Hindu pilgrims.These circumbulations of important religious places are of varying durations, shortest being the 'Antargrahi Parikrama' which has to be completed within a day. After taking a dip in the river Saryu, the devotee commences the Parikrama from the Nageshwarnath temple and passes through Rama Ghat, Sita Kund , Mani Parvat and Brahma Kund, finally terminating at Kanak Bhavan.

Then there is the Panchkoshi Parikarma, circuit of 16 Km., which touches Chakratirtha, Naya Ghat, Ram Ghat, Holkar-Ka-Pura, Dashrath Kund, Jogiana, Ranopali, Jalpanala and Mahatabagh. On the way the people pay homage to the deities in the shrines which are situated en route.

The ' Chaturdashkoshi Parikarma' constitutes a circular journey of 45 km., made once a year on the occasion of Akshainavami, which is completed within 24 hours.