In Kartik, pilgrims walk circuits around Ayodhya after a dip in the Saryu. The Chaudah Kosi Parikrama, about forty-two kilometres, begins on Akshaya Navami; the Panchkosi, roughly fifteen kilometres around the old city, follows on Dev Uthani Ekadashi, about a day later.
Hundreds of thousands take part, many barefoot and through the night, and the route is lined with water and rest points set up by volunteers.
It is a walk, not a spectacle, and the town's roads are closed and reorganised around it, so movement across Ayodhya is slow on those days. For most older travellers the better way to take part is to watch from the route, or walk a short stretch near the river, rather than attempt the full circuit.
