Planning Ayodhya, Kashi, or Mathura-Vrindavan trip on New Year? Check city-wise restrictions and advisories

From Uttar Pradesh’s temple towns like Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura–Vrindavan to Jammu and Kashmir’s revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, authorities have stepped up arrangements to manage crowds and ensure smooth movement. As the year draws to a close, India’s major spiritual centres are witnessing a sharp rise in pilgrim footfall, with devotees braving winter chill to begin the New Year on a sacred note.

Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said year-end travel now goes beyond quick darshan, with families and first-time pilgrims seeking calmer and more meaningful spiritual experiences.

Ayodhya traffic advisory: Ram Temple anniversary adds to New Year rush

Ayodhya is witnessing a heavy inflow of devotees ahead of the New Year, with footfall expected to touch 5.8 crore in December, according to data from the state tourism department cited by The Times of India.


The rush coincides with the second anniversary celebrations of the Ram Temple which falls on 31st of December. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are scheduled to lead the event, with religious ceremonies being conducted during the shubh muhurat of Paush Ekadashi. The state broadcaster will telecast the proceedings from early Wednesday morning. Fourteen temples built around the Ram Lalla parkota and sapt mandap are also part of the celebrations, officials said.

Religious rituals began earlier this week with havan and prayers at the yagyashala, while continuous recitations of Ramcharitmanas echoed through the temple complex. A palki yatra was also taken out within the temple premises and parts of the city to accommodate local participation. Authorities have made crowd management arrangements in anticipation of large gatherings through New Year’s Eve.

Varanasi: VIP darshan suspended, traffic curbs in place

Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple is bracing for an unprecedented New Year surge, with lakhs of devotees arriving to seek blessings at one of India’s most iconic spiritual hubs.

Kashi Vishwanath CEO Vishwa Bhushan Mishra told The Times of India that VIP darshan has been suspended to manage the heavy footfall and ensure a smoother experience for all pilgrims. Entry and exit points have been enhanced, while additional volunteers, security personnel, sanitation staff and emergency services have been deployed within the temple premises.


Traffic diversions are being enforced across Varanasi till January 5, 2026. Police officials said vehicles from outside districts may be halted at designated parking areas if crowds swell. Several routes leading to Godowlia have been declared no-vehicle zones to regulate movement during peak hours.

Mathura–Vrindavan: Devotees brave cold as footfall rises

Mathura and Vrindavan are witnessing a sharp increase in pilgrim numbers as devotees arrive to welcome the New Year with prayers. December footfall is projected to rise to 1.05 crore, up from 78 lakh in the same month last year, according to tourism department data quoted by TOI.

Authorities have implemented traffic diversion plans, barricading for crowd flow and expanded public transport services to handle the rush across temples in the twin towns. Officials said arrangements are aimed at ensuring smooth darshan amid foggy conditions and cold weather.

Mata Vaishno Devi: Katra sees massive year-end yatra rush

Thousands of pilgrims have reached Katra in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the New Year to undertake the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. The entire hilltop is buzzing with activity as devotees from across the country seek blessings to begin the coming year on a positive note.

In view of the anticipated rush on December 31 and during the New Year, SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh conducted a comprehensive security review meeting at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. He directed all concerned agencies to remain highly alert, with special emphasis on crowd management to prevent untoward incidents and regulate movement at sensitive points.

In neighbouring Udhampur, police issued safety advisories ahead of New Year celebrations. DSP Headquarters Prehlad Kumar told ANI that check posts have been set up in coordination with multiple agencies and warned of zero tolerance towards dangerous driving, stunts and narcotic substances.

(With TOI and ANI inputs)