The holy town of Ambaji in Gujarat is set to welcome more than 30 lakh pilgrims as the annual Bhadarvi Purnima fair begins on Monday. Devotees from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have already started arriving, with large processions making their way to the Ambaji Shaktipeeth.
This year, darshan will close early at 5 pm on September 7 due to a lunar eclipse.
Preparations in full swing
Ambaji has been decked up with flower decorations and theme-based lighting inspired by Mataji. At night, glowing installations at Chachar Chowk will greet devotees. To manage the massive turnout, railings, drinking water facilities, and separate exit routes have been set up. Special arrangements are in place for senior citizens, pregnant women, the disabled and those performing dandvat pranam.
Four waterproof domes with 1,200 beds and modern amenities such as toilets, CCTV, mobile charging points, firefighting equipment and luggage storage have been prepared for devotees. Wheelchair and e-rickshaw services will also be available.
Drone show, prasad and security
For the first time, a drone show with 400 drones will light up the skies on September 3 and 4, forming images of Mataji’s temple, the trishul and ‘Jai Mataji’.
The temple trust has arranged 35 parking lots for over 22,500 vehicles, with pre-booking available through the Show My Parking app and free shuttle services to the temple.
About 3 million prasad packets will be distributed, prepared by 750 workers at 28 centers. Free meals will also be served at four sites.
A three-tier security system has been deployed, with 5,000 police personnel and 332 CCTV cameras monitoring the fair.
Darshan timings:
- Morning Aarti: 6–6.30 am
- Darshan: 6–11.30 am, 12.30–5 pm, 5 pm–midnight
- Closed: 11.30 am–12.30 pm & midnight–6 am