Nag Panchami fair from July 22 in Pachmarhi

Bhopal, July 6 (UNI) Preparations for 'Nag Panchami' fair to be organised on July 22 have begun at Nagdwari -- a place of worship for Nagvanshi tribes since time immemorial -- in Madhya Pradesh's picturesque hill station Pachmarhi.

Nestled in the hills of Satpura ranges in Pachmarhi, Nagdwari attracts lakhs of devotees from Maharashtra during the 10-day-long fair.

Hoshangabad Collector Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said considering that the place for the fair lay in Satpura Tiger Reserve area, gates of the national park would be opened from July 12 for devotees flowing in from Maharashtra.

A 16 km-long padyatra has to be undertaken from Nagphani -- situated along the route to go to Dhoopgarh, Satpura's highest peak at around 4,429 feet above sea-level -- to Nagdwari.

The festival of 'Nag Panchami' -- dedicated to the worship of snakes -- is celebrated at the peak of the monsoon.

The district administration has completely banned the use polythene and pouches and sale of 'gutkas' in the fair area. In view of the religious fair, no entry fee would be charged from those visiting the tiger reserve area.

The fair would conclude on the next day of 'Nag Panchami' on July 30.

Parking for private taxis has been arranged at airstrip.

Elaborate arrangements had been made for drinking water, cleanliness, lighting and medical facilities.

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