In the wake of the monumental inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22nd, Ayodhya emerges as a pilgrimage hotspot, drawing massive crowds eager for a glimpse of Ram Lalla. As the city witnesses an unprecedented influx of visitors, discussions swirl around the introduction of diverse food outlets catering to local customs and regulations.

Following the success of Domino’s, situated just a kilometer away from the newly-constructed Ram Mandir, authorities are in talks to introduce an outlet of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), with a unique twist. While KFC is renowned worldwide for its chicken-centric menu, the proposed Ayodhya branch will exclusively offer vegetarian items, aligning with the city’s strict regulations against non-vegetarian fare within the sacred Panch Kosi Marg.

Government official Vishal Singh expressed the city’s openness to welcoming global food chains, extending an offer of space to KFC if it adheres to the vegetarian-only mandate. Singh emphasized Ayodhya’s receptiveness to new ventures but underscored the importance of respecting local customs and regulations, particularly within the Panch Kosi area.

Ayodhya’s prohibition on serving meat and alcohol within the Panch Kosi Marg, encompassing the revered Panch Kosi Parikrama pilgrimage circuit, remains steadfast. Singh disclosed that offers from various food outlets have been received, all of which are welcomed with the condition of excluding non-vegetarian offerings within the designated area.

With pilgrim numbers expected to soar, reaching an estimated 10 to 12 lakh visitors by the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami on April 17th, Ayodhya is poised for a transformation beyond its spiritual identity. The city’s potential is further underscored by the signing of 161 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), totaling around 8769.52 crore, at the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors’ Summit last year.

Initiatives by the state tourism department, projected at Rs 2020 crore, coupled with housing department endeavors worth Rs 3234 crore, highlight Ayodhya’s burgeoning prospects for development and growth. As the city embraces its newfound prominence, the introduction of vegetarian KFC marks another significant step towards harmonizing tradition with modernity in this revered cultural center.