Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has started full-scale preparations for the annual Uttaravahini Panchkoshi Narmada Parikrama, which will be held from March 19 to April 17, 2026. The 30-day pilgrimage, considered a sacred spiritual tradition, attracts thousands of devotees every year who undertake the circumambulation of the Narmada while offering prayers to the river, revered as Mother Narmada.

The state government makes arrangements every year to ensure that the Parikrama is conducted in a smooth, safe, and well-organized manner. This year also, focus has been placed on providing modern facilities along with preserving the religious and cultural traditions associated with the pilgrimage. The Parikrama will begin on Falgun Vad Amasa on March 19 and conclude on Chaitra Vad Amasa on April 17, 2026.

Temporary facilities worth Rs 5.41 crore

To facilitate the large number of devotees expected during the Parikrama, the Gujarat Pavitra Yatra Dham Vikas Board has made temporary arrangements at a cost of about Rs 5.41 crore. These include dome shelters, mobile toilets, drinking water points, medical units, round-the-clock ambulance services, lighting facilities, and emergency help centres.

A large waterproof dome shelter with cots, mattresses, chairs, and bedding arrangements has been set up for pilgrims. Bathrooms, changing rooms, and cloakroom facilities are also being arranged. Service centres and shops will be set up along the Parikrama route for the convenience of devotees.

Cleanliness, health, and management arrangements

Special arrangements have been made to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the Parikrama area. Separate temporary toilets and bathing facilities for men and women, proper drainage, waste disposal systems, and continuous water supply will be ensured. Housekeeping teams will work in shifts throughout the month-long pilgrimage to keep the area clean.

Strong security and crowd management

In view of the large turnout of devotees, elaborate security arrangements are being made. Police booths, watch towers, and security cabins will be installed along the route, and trained personnel will remain on duty in multiple shifts.

Barricading systems, along with modern technologies such as Infrared (IR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based head-count systems, will be used to monitor crowd movement.

Lighting, communication, and surveillance

Extensive lighting arrangements are being made along the entire 18-km Parikrama route and at all ghats. LED and floodlights will ensure safe movement even at night. Public announcement systems, wireless communication, and CCTV surveillance will be used for monitoring and coordination.

Permanent facilities worth Rs 5.07 crore developed

Along with temporary arrangements, permanent infrastructure has also been developed at various pilgrimage points at a cost of about Rs 5.07 crore.

Facilities including pathways, pilgrim centres, drinking water tanks, solar lights, and toilet blocks have been developed at Shri Madhi Devasthan, Shri Siddhatekri Ram Kund, and Shri Balbala Kund. Renovation work, retaining walls, electrification, sheds, borewells, and drainage systems have also been completed at these locations.

Officials said the state government is working to ensure that the Narmada Parikrama is conducted with proper arrangements for faith, safety, and convenience while preserving the cultural heritage of the state. DeshGujarat