Extensive arrangements have been made for the Bhadarvi Poonam Mahamela at the famous Ambaji Shakti Peeth in Gujarat from September 20 to 26, with lakhs of devotees expected to attend from across India and abroad.The Gujarat government and Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board, in coordination with various departments, have arranged temporary facilities for pilgrims, including rest shelters, parking, toilets, drinking water, healthcare, emergency services, security, CCTV cameras, mobile charging points and free food shelters.
Rest shelters for nearly 4,500 pilgrims
Rest shelters have been set up across 12,300 square metres to provide pilgrims with a place to stay and rest.Five shelters on the Hadad route can accommodate around 2,776 pilgrims with single and bunk beds. Two shelters on the Danta route can accommodate around 1,140 pilgrims, while another shelter on the Hadad route has 600 floor beds.
Free food shelters have been set up across 2,190 square metres. The shelter on the Danta route can accommodate around 2,000 to 2,500 people, while the one on the Gabbar route can accommodate around 500 people.For drinking water, 30 water pagodas have been installed — 13 each on the Hadad and Danta routes and four on the Gabbar route.
33 toilet blocks
To maintain sanitation during the large influx of devotees, 33 toilet blocks have been set up. Eight are located at rest shelters, 14 along the highway and 11 in major parking areas.The rest shelters also have 80 bathing units, 80 toilets, 24 urinals and 32 handwashing units.
38 parking areas
Parking facilities have been arranged across 2,67,265 square metres to manage the large number of vehicles expected during the fair.A total of 17 parking areas will be available on the Hadad route and 21 on the Danta route.
Healthcare and emergency services
Six first-aid counters and 10 medical and lost-and-found centres will be operational to provide immediate assistance to pilgrims.Safety arrangements include lighting and electrical facilities, along with 125 fire extinguishers. The rest shelters will also have mobile charging points, registration pagodas, water counters and information and guidance signage.
Crowd management and signage
Signage and hoardings covering around 4,000 square metres have been installed to help pilgrims navigate the fair area.
The arrangements also include six welcome arches, box towers, queue managers, barricades, agro nets and red carpets. Flagpoles, potted plants and other decorations have been used to create a religious and cultural atmosphere.
216 stalls for local artisans
Around 216 craft stalls, each measuring 2×3 metres, have been set up across approximately 1,300 square metres to provide opportunities for local artisans and traders.
The state government and Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board, along with various departments, have coordinated the arrangements to ensure the convenience, safety and smooth movement of devotees during the seven