Devotion & safety: Kangra admn readies for Navratra festivities

With the Shravan Ashtami Navratra fair set to begin in the third week of July, the Kangra district administration has made elaborate arrangements to handle the expected surge of pilgrims at the revered shrines of Jwalamukhi, Kangra and Chamunda Devi.

A senior official from the district administration stated on Saturday that dedicated helpline numbers will soon be made public to assist pilgrims throughout the festival. Additionally, 24×7 ambulance services will be stationed at key locations to ensure immediate medical support.

To maintain order and safety, police personnel will be deployed extensively, especially in temple zones. Equipped with wireless communication devices, the police will regulate the movement of devotees, allowing entry in small, manageable groups to prevent overcrowding and potential stampedes. Separate entry and exit points have also been designated at all major temples for better crowd control.

In a significant move to reduce congestion near the temples, new parking facilities are being developed 2-3 km away from temple complexes. Entry into the temple premises will be regulated through slips issued by the administration.

Pilgrims have been advised not to park vehicles near hill rocks, especially due to the ongoing monsoon season, which raises the risk of landslides. They have also been requested to cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience.

Even before the official commencement of the Navratra, large numbers of devotees have begun arriving at the holy sites. During a recent visit to Jwalamukhi, it was observed that all necessary arrangements for managing the influx are already in place. The temple administration estimates a daily footfall of 40,000 to 50,000 devotees and to accommodate this, temples will remain open till late midnight throughout the festival period.

Himachal Tribune