Baba Khatu Shyam Fair Kicks Off Today in Sikar, Rajasthan with Anticipated Crowds
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Synopsis
The Baba Khatu Shyam fair has started in Sikar, Rajasthan, with 'darshan' available from 5 p.m. The event, lasting until March 11, is expected to attract millions of devotees nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- Fair Duration: February 28 to March 11
- Devotees Expected: Lakhs from across India
- Special Arrangements: Enhanced facilities for elderly and disabled
- Decorations: Temple resembles Vaishno Devi
- Security Measures: Special security and crowd management
Jaipur, Feb 28 (NationPress) The renowned Baba Khatu Shyam fair has commenced in Rajasthan's Sikar today, with 'darshan' starting at 5 p.m. This fair will run until March 11, and is anticipated to draw lakhs of devotees from various parts of the nation.
This year, the temple grounds have been beautifully decorated, resembling the Vaishno Devi temple. At the Singh Gate, a striking representation of Barbarik (the grandson of Bhim and son of Ghatotkacha) presenting his head to Shri Krishna has been established. Moreover, the temple will showcase red cloth-tied coconuts and bells, reminiscent of those found at the Vaishno Devi temple.
The court of Baba Shyam has been adorned with 65 different kinds of flowers sourced from eight nations.
Various species of flowers can be seen on the temple grounds, including Hydenia, Pinonopsis, Imposia, Dishbird, Red Berry, and Orchid from Holland, South Africa, Colombia, New Zealand, China, Italy, and Bangkok. Additionally, Indian flowers such as roses, carnations, lilies, anthurium, alconia, and kishtivam have also been incorporated. Special arrangements for 'darshan' have been implemented, with devotees proceeding through 14 designated lines, similar to last year.
A carpeted route has been laid from Ringas to Khatu to ensure smooth movement. Pilgrims will cover an 8-kilometre trek before reaching Baba’s darbar. Enhanced arrangements have been established for elderly and disabled devotees. The fair in-charge, SDM Monika Samor, mentioned that this year, nine blocks have been created in Charan Khet, up from seven last year, to accommodate the increasing crowds.
The VIP darshan will be closed except for individuals with government protocol passes. A separate entry line is available 250 meters from the temple near Lala Mangeram Dharamshala for elderly and disabled devotees. Wheelchair users will have direct access through this designated passage. Furthermore, special traffic and parking arrangements are in place. One-way movement will be enforced for smooth entry and exit.
A large parking area has been arranged near Manda Turn on the Sikar-Ringas Road for smaller vehicles. Devotees will be transported by buses to the 52 Bigha parking lot and will continue their journey to the temple on foot. Sixteen emergency gates have been set up to manage the crowd in special situations.
With lakhs of devotees expected to attend this fair until March 11, special security measures have been implemented to ensure a seamless experience for visitors.
Important guidelines for devotees include no availability of VIP darshan this time, no banners or signs taller than eight feet allowed, thorny roses strictly prohibited within the temple, perfumes in glass containers are not permitted, and both small and large DJs are completely banned on fair grounds, while drums must not be taken beyond the Toran Gate.
It is important to note that the Khatu temple in Sikar consistently attracts large crowds throughout the year. Additionally, the annual fair draws lakhs of devotees from across the nation.
