Junagadh: Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi chaired a meeting today with monks, saints and officials to ensure the smooth organization of the world-famous Mahashivratri fair held at the foothills of Girnar in Junagadh. Several key decisions were taken to provide better facilities for saints and devotees. To make the Mahashivratri fair, scheduled from February 11 to 15, more memorable and grand, a Nagar Yatra will be organized for the first time this year, marking the ceremonial entry of monks into the city. On the evening of February 11, the Nagar Yatra will begin to welcome the arrival of saints and devotees.

Providing details about the fair, Sanghvi said this year’s event will be the biggest and most memorable so far. The administration is fully prepared to welcome the saints and devotees attending the ‘Mini Kumbh’ Mahashivratri fair in Junagadh. Keeping the faith of devotees in mind, the Ravedi route, which is traditionally 1.5 km long, has been extended by 500 metres and will now be 2 km this year, allowing maximum devotees to benefit from Ravedi darshan of the holy Naga sadhus.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government will make special arrangements for the lakhs of devotees expected to visit the fair. Every year, around 1,600 police personnel are deployed, but the number has been increased to over 2,900 this year. The entire area will be continuously monitored through CCTV cameras to prevent any untoward incident. Additional arrangements have also been made for parking, traffic management, and accommodation facilities.

The entire route will be decorated on the theme of Lord Bholenath by the state Tourism Department. Junagadh city will also be illuminated with lights. Several selfie points and information centres will be set up along the route. Live streaming of the Mahashivratri Mela will also be carried out during the Shahi Snan, he added.

Sanghvi further said that for the first time, more than 1,000 local youth will be involved as volunteers in the fair arrangements by the Junagadh Police. More than 300 social organizations have also arranged accommodation and food (prasad) for devotees. Clean drinking water and toilet facilities have been ensured along the mela route.

A song prepared for the Mahashivratri Mela was also launched during the meeting.

The Deputy Chief Minister invited saints and devotees from across the state and the country to participate in this festival of devotion and faith held at Bhavnath. He also urged local citizens to warmly welcome Shiva devotees and cooperate in maintaining order.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Youth Services and Culture Dr Jayaram Gamit, saints, office bearers of Junagadh district, senior officials from the pilgrimage and tourism departments, and representatives of the Junagadh district administration. DeshGujarat