Gandhinagar: The traditional fair held every year on Bhadarvi Poonam at Ambaji, Gujarat attracts lakhs of devotees, mostly travelling by foot. It is likely that this year more than 40 lakh pilgrims will attend the mega fair which is to be held from September 23 to 29.

For this state-level fair, preparations are being done in full swing to ensure convenience, safety and service to the pilgrims through a joint collaboration of Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board (GPYVB), Shri Arasuri Ambaji Devasthan Trust and Banaskantha District Administration.

GPYVB Secretary Shri R.R. Rawal said, “Arrangements are being made which are suited for the faith of the pilgrims.” He said that the state government will make necessary financial allocations for the facilities and arrangements for pilgrims during the Bhadarvi Poonam Mela, 2023 at Ambaji.

Providing information about the facilities and arrangements being made for Ambaji Mela, Shri Rawal said that this year facilities for devotees visiting Ambaji are being enhanced in a considerable way so that no devotee is inconvenienced.

Which facilities have been enhanced this year?

A waterproof dome was arranged in an area of 4,000 sq.m. last year for pilgrims travelling on foot, which has been increased to 9,000 sq.m. this year. More pilgrims will be able to rest. These 4 waterproof domes, to be set up at four different locations, will have facility for 1200 beds for pilgrims, another multi-purpose dome facility, restrooms, CCTV cameras, mobile charging arrangements, housekeeping services, signages, floor carpets, flag poles, drinking water arrangements, electrification system, fire-fighting equipment, etc. are being arranged.

Toilet and bathroom facilities are being arranged on the Hadad and Danta routes, which will also have hot water for the convenience of the pilgrims. The number of toilets has increased from 18 last year to 29 this year.

Strict security and parking arrangements

Strict security arrangements will be made for the pilgrims during the fair. Parking arrangements will be made for pilgrims carrying vehicles. The parking area has been increased to cover a wide area of 2,00,000 sq.m. with uniform lighting (40-50 LUX), additional CCTV cameras, a proper PA system and a police pagoda to reduce incidents of theft.

The shelter facility and drinking water facility on both the routes approaching Ambaji have been upgraded with streamlined paver block flooring. A common theme-based quality improvement has been made for the hoardings, signages and related infrastructure at the fair. Instead of 1,500 sq.m., information and broadcasting will be conducted in an area of up to 4,500 sq.m.

Ambaji complex will be illuminated with lighting

The lighting design for Gabbar Marg, Ambaji Temple and surrounding areas will be improved. This will enable pilgrims to have a glimpse of Mataji everywhere. In addition, the number of quality flag poles as a promotional measure has been increased from 100 to 300 and the number of flowers and plants has also been increased from 250 to 2,000. This year, different craft stalls will be made waterproof and will have a common design pattern to maintain uniformity. Prasad distribution centres will also be upgraded. A QR code will also be generated, which will scan all the information regarding facilities along with the location. Various selfie points will be prepared for the pilgrims.

Cleaning system 

Cleaning of superior quality will be conducted at Ambaji, employing more than 750 Safai Kamdars. Presently, a special campaign has been launched to carry out cleaning of the Gabbar hill.

Mobile toilets, bathrooms and urinals are being provided for the pilgrims travelling on foot. Temporary toilet blocks, bathrooms, and hot water facilities will also be provided at certain distances from Gandhinagar to Ambaji on various routes.
Cleaning work has been done in Ambaji Tirth covering a total area of 1,95,256 sq.m. Not only the temple but the surrounding areas, Gabbar, 51 Shaktipeeths and areas with more rush of pilgrims/devotees have been covered.

Moreover, additional daily cleaning staff are provided on Bhadarvi Poonam by the Board as suggested by Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust. Under this, with a large number of associations/pilgrims expected to visit on Bhadravi Poonam this year, besides the regular staff, 750 additional Safai Kamdars will be working as arranged by the GPYVB. Work will also be done by procuring modern technical machinery for cleanliness from municipalities like Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and Mehsana-Palanpur Municipality. DeshGujarat