Dediapada: The Panchkoshi Uttarvahini Parikrama of the sacred Narmada River concluded on Friday, marking the end of a month-long religious pilgrimage that began on March 19. Over one million (10 lakh) devotees are estimated to have participated in the annual event.

Every year during the month of Chaitra, lakhs of devotees undertake the 20-km-long Panchkoshi Uttarvahini Parikrama on foot. The religious significance of the pilgrimage has steadily grown over the years, attracting an increasing number of devotees annually. Pilgrims consider themselves spiritually purified after taking a holy dip in the river and completing the sacred journey.

A massive turnout was witnessed throughout the Parikrama, particularly during the final phase. The event concluded smoothly without any major untoward incidents, with devotees benefiting from the facilities arranged along the route.

With the end of the Chaitra month, the annual Parikrama also came to a close. Devotees performed the final round amid chants of “Namami Devi Narmade” and “Om Namah Shivaya.”

A notable aspect of the pilgrimage was the extensive community support. Villagers and local organisations from Rampura, Mangrol, Guwar, and nearby areas, along with temples, ashrams, and voluntary groups, operated free food services throughout the month. Devotees were provided with tea, snacks, fruits, meals, and drinking water along the route, with arrangements continuing round the clock.

Pilgrims from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and other parts of the country participated in large numbers, travelling by private vehicles, minibuses, and luxury coaches. Many described the experience as spiritually enriching and expressed a deep sense of fulfilment after completing the Parikrama.

District President of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, Sadanand Maharaj, said the Parikrama has emerged as a significant source of local employment. Small traders benefited from increased business activity, while more than 200 private vehicles were engaged during the pilgrimage, contributing to the economic upliftment of local temples and surrounding areas.

The administration ensured efficient arrangements for lighting and sanitation, which were widely appreciated by devotees. Increased promotion on social media also led to a higher influx of pilgrims this year. Devotees have expressed hope that bridges on both sides of the Parikrama route will be constructed in the future to further improve accessibility. DeshGujarat