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Key Points

Gujarat is gearing up for a massive religious gathering at the historic Ambaji Temple. The state's Tourism Secretary has personally reviewed preparations for the upcoming Bhadrapadi Poonam Mela. Extensive infrastructure improvements are planned to accommodate nearly 40 lakh devotees. The event promises to showcase Gujarat's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Key Points: Gujarat Tourism Preps Massive Ambaji Bhadrapadi Poonam Mela

  • State launching extensive infrastructure upgrades for Bhadrapadi Poonam Mela
  • Expecting 40 lakh devotees at sacred Ambaji shrine
  • Comprehensive preparations include sanitation, safety, and cultural programs
  • Ambaji Temple represents significant Shakti Peetha religious destination
2 min read

Govt officials join Gujarat's 'Review Mission' ahead of Ambaji Bhadrapadi Poonam Mela

Gujarat's Tourism Secretary reviews massive religious gathering at Ambaji Temple, promising enhanced infrastructure for 40 lakh devotees

"Our focus is creating a clean, secure pilgrimage experience - Rajendra Kumar, State Tourism Secretary"

Ahmedabad, Aug 5

In alignment with Gujarat's "Review Initiative" aimed at fast-tracking high-priority projects, senior bureaucrats are now following suit.

State Tourism Secretary Rajendra Kumar recently visited the sacred town of Ambaji to assess preparations for the upcoming Bhadrapadi Poonam Maha Mela, set to take place from September 1 to 7, 2025.

Anticipated to attract more than 35 to 40 lakh devotees, the mega religious gathering is being jointly organised by the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board in Banaskantha district administration, and Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust.

In a series of high-level meetings, Kumar reviewed sanitation, crowd control, transport, drinking water, food provisions, temporary shelters, health, fire safety, and electricity arrangements, emphasising a clean and secure pilgrimage experience.

In addition to the mela, he also assessed the progress of Rinchhdia Mahadev and Teliya Eco-Trail development projects, offering critical directives to local authorities.

This year, the Ambaji shrine town will be transformed with extensive infrastructural enhancements: six toilet blocks, free drinking water, medical counters, rest domes, free food shelters, CCTV-equipped parking zones, and 30+ water counters will be installed.

Decorative and thematic lighting will illuminate the temple complex, main roads, and Gabbar Hill route, creating a festive and divine atmosphere.

The mela will also feature handicraft stalls and one-day cultural programmes.

The Ambaji Temple, nestled in the Aravalli hills of Gujarat's Banaskantha district, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and holds immense religious and cultural significance.

Dedicated to Arasuri Amba, the temple is believed to be the place where the heart of Goddess Sati fell, making it a sacred site for devotees of the Shakti tradition.

Unlike many temples, it houses no idol; instead, a revered Yantra inscribed on a marble platform is worshipped.

The temple's history dates back centuries and is deeply interwoven with Gujarat's spiritual heritage.

Every year, lakhs of pilgrims visit during the Bhadrapadi Poonam fair, reaffirming Ambaji's timeless relevance as a centre of devotion, tradition, and cultural unity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who visited last year, I must say the crowd management was chaotic. While these plans sound great on paper, I hope they actually deploy enough police and volunteers on ground. The Gabbar Hill route gets dangerously overcrowded during peak hours.
A
Arjun K
The cultural programs and handicraft stalls are a wonderful addition! This mela isn't just about religion but also about preserving our traditional arts. Looking forward to visiting with my family this year. Jai Mata Di! 🚩
S
Sarah B
I'm an expat living in Gujarat and visited Ambaji last year. The spiritual atmosphere was amazing but basic facilities were lacking. Glad to hear about the improvements - especially the medical counters and clean toilets. This will help attract more international visitors too.
V
Vikram M
While the preparations seem thorough, I hope they don't commercialize the mela too much. The essence of Ambaji is its spiritual simplicity - the yantra worship without idol is unique. Development is good but shouldn't overshadow the temple's ancient traditions.
K
Kavya N
The eco-trail development is a great initiative! 🌿 Hope they maintain the natural beauty of Aravalli hills while making it accessible. My suggestion - they should also arrange battery-operated vehicles for elderly pilgrims who can't walk the hill route.

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