Junagadh, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Bhavnath Mahashivratri Fair, which takes place annually at the base of Girnar in Junagadh, is poised to be the most spectacular and unforgettable edition thus far, according to Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Friday.

The festival is scheduled from February 11 to February 15.

During a high-level meeting with sadhus, saints, and senior officials, Sanghavi assessed the preparations to ensure the fair runs smoothly. Known as a “mini Kumbh” due to its immense spiritual importance and scale, the fair promises to attract many devotees.

In a first, the entrance of sadhus and saints will be celebrated with a grand city procession featuring a divine-themed ceremonial entry on February 11. This event will allow devotees to witness the arrival of ascetics in a more elaborate and venerative manner.

Sanghavi stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state government is making extensive arrangements for both devotees and ascetics attending the fair. To accommodate more attendees looking to see the Naga sadhus' procession, the traditional Ravedi route has been lengthened by 500 meters, expanding it from 1.5 km to 2 km.

The entire route will be adorned with decorations themed around Lord Bhole Nath, creating a spiritually uplifting ambiance throughout Junagadh. Emphasis has also been placed on security and crowd management.

While the deployment of around 1,600 police personnel is typical for the fair, this year the number has risen to over 2,900. The entire area will be monitored through CCTV surveillance to avert any potential incidents.

Additionally, provisions for parking, traffic management, accommodation—including dormitories, clean drinking water, and sanitary facilities—have been arranged.

For the first time, over 1,000 local youths will volunteer to assist in managing crowds and offering services to devotees. The state tourism department will also embellish Junagadh city and the fair route with special lighting. Multiple selfie spots and information centers will be established for the attendees.

The royal bath (Shahi Snan) of the Naga sadhus will be live-streamed, enabling devotees nationwide to witness the occasion.

More than 300 social organizations have come forward to provide accommodation and free meals (prasad) to participants during the fair.

Ensuring cleanliness, adequate drinking water and hygienic toilets will be available along the route. An official song created for the Mahashivratri Fair was also unveiled during the meeting.

Inviting devotees from across the state and country, Sanghavi encouraged local residents to warmly welcome visiting Shiva devotees and to cooperate with the administration to guarantee the fair's successful execution.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Youth Services and Cultural Activities Jayram Gamit, senior district officials, representatives from pilgrimage and tourism departments, sadhus, saints, and other members of the Junagadh district administration.