Junagadh: The famous Bhavnath Mahashivratri fair is held every year in traditional spirit at the foothills of Mount Girnar, bringing together devotion, culture and nature in reverence to Lord Mahadev. This year, the five-day fair will officially commence on February 11 with the ceremonial hoisting of the flag at the Bhavnath Temple.

To ensure convenience for the large number of devotees expected to attend, special arrangements have been made by the Gujarat Pavitra Yatra Dham Vikas Board and the local administration, along with the provision of multiple public facilities.

Damru Yatra to be held for the first time

Highlighting the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Junagadh Mahashivratri fair, a grand Damru Yatra has been organised for the first time this year, in which the Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will participate. In another first, daughters from all communities will welcome saints while carrying kalash.

The Damru Yatra will begin from the Bhavnath entrance gate at 7:00 pm on February 11 and proceed along an approximately 400-metre devotional route to the Bhavnath Temple. A grand Maha Aarti will be performed at the temple following the conclusion of the procession.

Accommodation and basic facilities for devotees

To facilitate overnight stays, the Gujarat Holy Pilgrimage Development Board has set up a large German dome with a capacity of about 800–850 devotees. Spread across nearly 2,000 sq. m., the dome includes 700 beds and 150 floor bedding arrangements, along with 24-hour housekeeping, medical assistance, mobile charging points and separate luggage racks.

Parking, security and civic arrangements

Parking facilities have been created at 25 locations, including Uparkot, Panjrapol and Vagheshwari Temple. Each parking area is equipped with CCTV surveillance, drinking water and toilet facilities. Floodlights, sanitation, cleaning services, water supply and round-the-clock police security have also been ensured.

A district-level parking committee has been formed, and devotees will be transported towards Bhavnath from the main points of Bhardavav and Girnar Darwaza. Free transport arrangements, including 25 rickshaws for differently abled devotees, have also been planned.

Decoration, lighting and public amenities

The entire Bhavnath fair area has been decorated on the theme of Lord Bholenath. Bhavnath Temple, akhadas, Damodar Kund and six main entrances are illuminated with decorative lighting, while the Ravedi route and the road from Girnar Gate to the temple have also been beautified. Six selfie points and artistic depictions of Lord Shankar have been created across the fair area.

For public convenience, 140 drinking-water points, 10 bottle-crusher machines, 28 medical counters, 118 temporary toilets and six mobile toilets have been installed, with separate facilities for men and women and 24-hour maintenance.

Cultural programmes and main attractions

The local administration has also organised cultural programmes, light-and-sound shows and security barricading. The royal procession of saints and the traditional royal bathing ceremony at Mrigikund on the night of Mahashivratri are expected to be the principal attractions of the fair. DeshGujarat