Ambaji welcomes 3.71 lakh devotees on first day of Bhadarvi Poonam fair

The annual Bhadarvi Poonam fair at the famous Ambaji Shaktipeeth in Gujarat began on Monday and will continue until September 7, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the state and beyond.

On the opening day, the holy shrine witnessed a crowd of 3.71 lakh devotees, many of whom walked from their hometowns to Ambaji as part of the traditional pilgrimage.

The state government has made elaborate arrangements for the comfort of devotees, including drinking water, sanitation, and resting facilities. Several voluntary groups have also set up free tents along the pilgrimage routes, providing food, water, and shelter.

Authorities expect over 30 lakh devotees to visit during the seven-day fair. This year, due to the lunar eclipse coinciding with Bhadarvi Poonam on September 7, temple darshan will close after 5 pm on that day.

To manage the massive influx, officials have introduced multiple facilities:

Railings along the bus stand and temple route, with designated exit points via Ambaji Shaktidwar, Gate 7 (near the havan shala), and Gate 8 (near Bheravji temple).

Wheelchairs and e-rickshaw facilities for senior citizens, differently-abled devotees, children, and pregnant women.

Four waterproof domes with 1,200 beds, sanitation blocks, CCTV surveillance, mobile charging stations, drinking water, firefighting systems, and storage facilities.

35 parking zones spread over 1.83 lakh sq. metres, with capacity for 22,500+ vehicles. Pilgrims can pre-book parking through the Show My Parking app, with free shuttle buses to the temple.

28 distribution centres with 750 workers preparing 1,000–1,200 “ghans” of prasad daily, amounting to over 30 lakh packets. Free community meals will also be served at four locations.

For the first time, the fair will feature a drone light show with 400 drones, scheduled on September 3 and 4 at 8.30 pm, showcasing formations of the Ambaji temple, the words “Jai Mataji”, the trishul, and other divine symbols in the night sky.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)