Poonam mela to begin in Ambaji tomorrow

Ahmedabad, Sep 3 (UNI) A grand mela on the occasion of Bhadarvi Poonam is all set to begin from tomorrow in the temple town of Ambaji here.

Over 25 lakh people are expected to arrive for the darshan of Goddess Ambaji during the four-day event.

The district administration has fully geared itself for the same.

Doctors from the Health department have been posted and primary health centres will be made available to devotees.

Last year a police force of 5,000 was posted while this year it would be around 11,000, according to district authorities. To pre-empt any terrorist attack, an X-ray machine to scan baggage, parcels and bags has been installed. There is also a jammer machine to prevent mobile communication within the temple premises.

About 1,250 special state transport buses will be utilised this time around. Eleven lakh vehicles are expected to arrive in the town compared to seven lakh vehicles last year. Also, the administration has closed the main bus stand and instead has set up three temporary bus stands to regulate bus services.

With heavy rains lashing the state, the temple administration has erected a huge two lakh sq ft water proof shed.

Meals at Rs five per packet have also been arranged for devotees.

Arrangements have been made to help everyone get the darshan of the Goddess. The darshan timings have been extended up to 0130 hrs while the aarti would start early at 0600 hrs.

It is a coincidence that on poonam (full moon) day on 7th there is also lunar eclipse and the darshan would be closed.

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