LUCKNOW, Oct. 31 -- The annual 14-Kosi Parikrama began in Ayodhya in the early hours of Thursday under strict vigil of around 5,000 security personnel. The parikrama was scheduled to start from 4.50 am but devotees began the pilgrimage from 2 am from several locations in the temple town. It will end at 4:41 am on Friday. Devotees in large numbers not only from Ayodhya but also from adjoining districts are taking part in the religious event. The 42-km long pilgrimage covers Ayodhya city and its outskirts. Devotees in large numbers come to Ayodhya from Bahraich, Sitapur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bareilly, Gonda, Prayagraj, and even Nepal for event. Within no time, the entire perimeter of the parikrama was formed into an unbroken human chain. Devotees from the Saryu Ghat, Darshan Nagar, Bhikhapur, Devkali, Janora, Naka Hanumangarhi, Modha, the Hanuman Temple at Civil Lines, Saadatganj, Afim Kothi, and Nayaghat also joined parikrama. For security purposes, the entire parikrama route has been divided into seven zones. According to senior superintendent of police (SSP), Ayodhya, Gaurav Grover, additional SP level police officers have been made in-charge of each zone. Around 5000 police personnel have been deployed on the parikrama route. "They include 40 circle officers, 60 inspectors, 250 sub-inspectors and about 1500 constables and head constables from other districts. Eight companies of paramilitary forces, including four companies of CRPF, have also been deployed," he added. DM Nikhil Tikaram Funde and the Ayodhya SSP kept a close vigil on the situation by carrying out surprise inspections of the parikrama route. Ayodhya officials have ensured all facilities for devotees, including drinking water, sanitation, and medical aid. After 14-kosi parikrama ends, the panchkosi parikrama will start at 4:02 am on November 1 and will end at 2:57 am on November 2. htc...