Junagadh, Feb 11 (NationPress) Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi embarked on a 3.5 km journey on foot from Girnar Darwaza to Bhavnath Temple on Wednesday, celebrating the inaugural day of the Mahashivratri fair in Junagadh.

The event attracted millions of devotees on its first day, fostering a lively and spiritual atmosphere throughout the entire 3.5 km path.

During this pilgrimage, citizens and representatives from various organizations greeted Sanghavi with floral tributes and traditional welcomes at numerous points along the route.

Sanghavi described the experience as “the greatest blessing of my life,” emphasizing the importance of traversing the sacred land of Girnar on foot during the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.

Upon reaching Bhavnath Temple, he performed the Maha Aarti and participated in rituals alongside P. Indra Bharati Bapu and other saints present at the temple.

He stated, “The Mahashivratri fair will be memorable. Each year, the number of devotees will continue to grow. I am grateful for the chance to inaugurate this fair and lead today’s pilgrimage with my fellow ministers.”

Sanghavi shared his thoughts on the journey, saying, “Walking in the sacred land of Girnar and joining the entry procession of saints and mahants provided me with an extraordinary and divine experience. This is a truly unforgettable moment in my life.”

He highlighted that the fair has been organized with a focus on devotee convenience and safety, stating: “We have eliminated VIP culture at the Mahashivratri fair to ensure maximum ease for devotees. I parked my vehicle near Girnar Darwaza and walked with the devotees, just like any other participant.”

Sanghavi offered prayers for the welfare of both the state and nation, saying, “May Lord Bholenath shower his blessings on everyone. I also pray for the wellbeing of Gujarat and the country.”

He urged devotees to maintain cleanliness in the holy area, adding: “No littering should occur so that the message of cleanliness spreads throughout Bhavnath and its surrounding regions.”

The Mahashivratri fair, covering a 3.5-km path from Girnar Darwaza to Bhavnath Temple, has seen tremendous growth over the years, continually attracting more devotees from across the state and neighboring regions.

On the opening day, millions of devotees were present, demonstrating the increasing scale and popularity of this annual religious event.

Sanghavi expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements made by the administration and the impressive turnout, underscoring the spiritual significance of the fair and the sacred land of Girnar.