Ayodhya: The excavation work in the acquired land in Ayodhya failed to resume on March 19 after the Holi recess on March 18, as the labourers did not return for the digging work.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team came to the digging site at Ram Chabutra on time in the morning, but waited in vain for the labourers to report for work.

Some of the contesting parties and their representatives were present in the acquired land.

The ASI team utilised the time to complete paper-work, survey and mapping, sources said.

It was learnt that the digging site was further covered by thick 'kanat' and all the crevasses in the covering screen around the site were plugged to prevent the devotees from peeping through to see the on-going digging work, which might lead to unnecessary disturbance.

Large number of devotees visited the makeshift temple to offer puja to Ram Lalla, during the Holi.

The festival passed off peacefully in Ayodhya and Faizabad cities.

PTI