The 27th anniversary on Friday of the Babri Masjid's demolition here is likely to be a low key affair with both Hindu and Muslim religious leaders downplaying the occasion and tight security measures being in place, less than a month after the Supreme Court's contentious verdict in the land dispute case.
In the early hours of the day, life went on as normal in different parts of the city with school children and morning walkers taking to the streets and shops and businesses opening at their usual time.
While right-wing Hindu organisations in the past 'celebrated' the day when a mob had pulled down the mosque on the disputed site in 1992, this year the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has decided against observing 'Shaurya Diwas'.
Senior priest of Hanumangarhi temple Raju Das told PTI that the day should now be marked as the 'Day of Amity'.
"The temple is witnessing regular flow of devotees. It is a normal day for us and the city. We are observing this day as 'sauhaard diwas' (day of amity). In the evening, earthen lamps will be lit in Hanumangarhi," he said.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has said that while the anniversary of the historic mosque's demolition by a mob is a day of mourning for Muslims, it is "up to individuals" if they want to observe the 'yaum-e-gham' or the 'Day of Sorrow'.
At the Jama Masjid Malik Shah here, children were seen reading the Quran under the guidance of Haji Ismail Ansari, even as a poster with a picture of Babri Masjid hung on a wall.
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Mohammed Shahzad Raeen, a poultry dealer associated with the mosque, said there was no problem among the Hindu and Muslim residents of Ayodhya who have been peacefully co-existing for generations.
At primary school in Ranopalli area, classes were going on in a regular manner.
"In all there are 74 students in the school. Yesterday 52 students had turned up, while today around 30 are present," Lal Bahadur Yadav, a teacher, said.
When asked if the dip in students' attendance is due to the Babri Masjid's demolition anniversary, he said, "Possibly yes, as anxiety is present in some parents over December 6."
"It is a normal day for us," said 60-year-old Brajesh Kumar, a resident. "Yes, it is December 6, but it is just another Friday for us."
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