Parikrama Mela begins in Ayodhya amid tight security

Security has been intensified in and around the town in view of the two-day long "Chaudah Kosi Parikrama", that began here today, police said.

"Chaudah Kosi Parikrama" is associated with Lord Ram's 14 year exile, in which devotees will undertake a 45 kms walk around the temple town.

This will be the largest gathering of Hindu devotees, after the Allahabad high court gave the verdict on Ayodhya title issue, SSP RKS Rathore said.

Additional security forces, including the central para military forces manning the disputed shrine of Ram Lalla, have been deployed at all vital points of Ayodhya, Rathore said, adding, five anti-bomb disposal squads and as many fire brigade teams will also be pressed into service.