Narmada: The month-long Uttaravahini Panchkoshi Narmada Parikrama commenced today in Gujarat, with lakhs of devotees from across the country expected to participate in the sacred pilgrimage along the holy river Narmada. The Parikrama is performed on the stretch between Rampura and Tilakwada in Narmada district.

Every year, the Parikrama is observed for one month, from Falgun Vad Amavasya to Chaitra Vad Amavasya. This year, the yatra will continue from March 19 to April 17.

Religious significance of Narmada Parikrama

The river Narmada holds immense religious importance in Hindu scriptures. It is believed that bathing in the Ganga, seeing the Yamuna, and merely having darshan of the Narmada is enough to purify a person. The Narmada is regarded as a sacred and eternal river. Unlike most rivers in India, the Narmada flows westward and meets the Gulf of Khambhat, which further enhances its spiritual significance.

The Narmada Parikrama is considered unique, as it is believed to be the only river in the world whose complete circumambulation is traditionally performed. According to belief, the Parikrama was first undertaken by Markandeya Rishi, and thousands of devotees continue the tradition every year.

Special boat arrangement to reduce travel time

Earlier, devotees had to cross the river between Regan and Rampura using small boats, which took around 15–20 minutes. This year, a special boat brought from Goa has been deployed, reducing the crossing time to about 7–8 minutes and helping authorities manage the heavy rush of pilgrims.

Saints appeal to maintain sanctity of pilgrimage

Local saint Sadanand Maharaj appealed to devotees to treat the Parikrama as a religious pilgrimage rather than tourism. He expressed concern that the new boat has a toilet facility and warned that releasing wastewater into the Narmada could pollute the holy river. He urged authorities to keep the toilet closed and requested devotees to maintain discipline and wear traditional attire suitable for a pilgrimage.

Temporary facilities worth ₹5.41 crore

To accommodate the large number of devotees, the Gujarat Pavitra Yatra Dham Vikas Board has set up temporary facilities worth around ₹5.41 crore. The arrangements include dome shelters, mobile toilets, drinking water points, medical units, round-the-clock ambulance services, lighting systems, and emergency help centres.

A large waterproof dome shelter has been prepared with cots, mattresses, chairs, and bedding for pilgrims. Bathrooms, changing rooms, and cloakroom facilities have also been provided, along with service centres and small shops along the Parikrama route.

Cleanliness and health arrangements

Special measures have been taken to maintain hygiene across the Parikrama area. Separate temporary toilets and bathing facilities for men and women, proper drainage, waste disposal systems, and continuous water supply have been arranged. Housekeeping teams will work in shifts throughout the month-long pilgrimage.

Tight security and crowd management

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of the large turnout. Police booths, watchtowers, and security cabins have been installed at various points, with personnel deployed in multiple shifts.

Barricading will be used for crowd control, while modern technology such as Infrared (IR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based head-count systems will help monitor the movement of devotees.

Lighting, communication and surveillance

Extensive lighting has been installed along the entire 18-kilometre Parikrama route and at all ghats. LED lights and floodlights will ensure safe movement even at night. Public announcement systems, wireless communication networks, and CCTV surveillance will be used for monitoring and coordination.

Record participation in recent years

The number of devotees taking part in the Parikrama has increased steadily in recent years. More than 4 lakh devotees participated in 2024, while over 10 lakh pilgrims joined last year, with devotees arriving from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and other states.

With improved facilities, better planning, and coordinated efforts by the state government, the Yatra Dham Board and the Narmada district administration, the Uttaravahini Narmada Parikrama 2026 is expected to be more grand and well-organised than ever. DeshGujarat