India
The preparation for the Char Dham Yatra is reviewed by CM Dhami
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed preparations for the annual Char Dham yatra on Thursday, more than a month before it begins, and ordered officials to make better use of technology to make the yatra safer and more convenient for pilgrims.
This year’s Char Dham Yatra begins on May 3 with the opening of the Yamunotri temple’s doors in the Himalayan district of Uttarkashi.
Due to the removal of the Covid-led restrictions, large groups of worshippers are likely to go to Himalayan temples this year.
For the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a shadow over pilgrimage, with Himalayan temples opening several months late for devotees and imposing restrictions such as a daily limit on the number of pilgrims allowed to visit.
The limitations have now been lifted, and officials expect a significant increase in pilgrim footfall at Himalayan sites during this season’s yatra, according to officials.
In 2021, around five lakh pilgrims attended Char Dham despite the restrictions.
However, before the Covid epidemic in 2019, the number had surpassed 10 lakh. Dhami, who met with Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj, Badrinath-Kedarnath Mandir Samiti president Ajendra Ajay, and other senior officials to review the yatra preparations, said that a large number of pilgrims are expected to visit the Himalayan temples this year and that the arrangements should be made accordingly.
He requested that the PWD secretary inspect the state of the roads leading to the shrines and make all necessary provisions for pilgrims along the way.
Heavy machinery should be placed on standby in case of a blockade or other disturbance, he advised.
He suggested that the best use of technology for pilgrimage management be made, such as the deployment of drones for traffic management during the yatra and the issuance of a toll-free number for pilgrims to provide them with all necessary information about the trip.
He stated that because a high number of pilgrims are expected this year, there should be no pandemonium or mismanagement.
The pilgrims should also be registered, and ample parking should be provided along the roads, according to Dhami.
The chief minister also requested that officials guarantee that Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib have access to electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Chief Secretary S S Sandhu and DGP Ashok Kumar were also present at the review meeting.
Police register FIR and launch search for accused after late-night incident.
The Case
A woman travelling home after attending a party in Chembur has alleged that her cab driver tried to molest her after stopping the vehicle at an isolated location in Navi Mumbai during the early hours of September 6.
According to her complaint, the incident took place around 1:30 am. The driver reportedly stopped the cab on the roadside, saying he wanted to drink water. After getting back into the vehicle, he allegedly moved to the back seat, held the woman’s hand and tried to remove her clothes despite her resistance.
The woman strongly protested, following which the driver allegedly fled from the spot. She then contacted her family and approached the police to report what had happened. Police identified the accused as Mohammed Afzal Sheikh and registered an FIR based on the woman’s complaint. Multiple police teams have reportedly been formed to trace and arrest him.
Investigators are using technical information and other leads to locate the accused. Police have said the complaint is being taken seriously and that appropriate legal action will follow. The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of passengers travelling alone in cabs during late-night hours. Police are continuing their investigation into the case.
Thousands of devotees join colourful processions as towering idols arrive in Navi Mumbai.
The Grand Ganesh Celebration
With Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner, the festive spirit has already taken over Navi Mumbai. Vashi and CBD Belapur witnessed enthusiastic celebrations as devotees gathered to welcome two towering Ganesh idols.
In Vashi Sector 17, the 12-foot idol of Navsala Pavnara Maharaja arrived on September 4 amid the beats of dhol-tasha and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” Nearly 3,000 devotees took part in the welcome procession. The idol, depicting Lord Ganesha seated on an elephant, will be installed in a grand replica of a royal palace. The mandal is celebrating its 43rd year.
Meanwhile, CBD Belapur Sector 2 welcomed the CBD Cha Raja, a 12.5-foot idol prepared by renowned sculptor Bhendkar from Chembur. A large number of devotees gathered to seek Bappa’s blessings during the arrival ceremony.
The mandal, now entering its 44th year, is creating a replica of the famous Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura as this year’s main attraction.
Beyond the grandeur, the celebrations also reflect Navi Mumbai’s spirit of unity. People from different communities come together to participate in aarti, puja and havan at the mandal. As the city prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi, these celebrations have brought communities together and set the mood for a festival filled with devotion, tradition and togetherness.
Traditional performances, a vibrant procession and an eco-friendly idol mark the beginning of Ganeshotsav in Vashi.
The Grand Celebration
The festive spirit of Ganeshotsav came alive in Vashi as the Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja Public Ganeshotsav Mandal, Sector 16A, began its 43rd year with a grand idol arrival ceremony.
The procession started from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk and made its way to the main pandal amid the energetic beats of dhol-tasha. Thousands of devotees joined the celebrations, turning the streets into a sea of devotion and excitement.
Traditional performances added to the charm of the procession. Mardani Khel demonstrations, a colourful Lezim performance and the presence of a Govinda troupe drew loud cheers from the crowd. The Govindas formed a human pyramid and offered a special salute to Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja.
The event was attended by BJP corporator Anjali Valunj, mandal president and social worker Vijay Valunj, social worker Ajay Valunj, along with mandal office-bearers, volunteers and devotees. This year, the mandal has also focused on protecting the environment. The Ganesha idol, depicting Lord Ganesha seated on an elephant, has been made from paper as part of its eco-friendly initiative.
The organisers said the mandal has been preserving culture and tradition for 43 years and was among the first in Navi Mumbai to organise an idol arrival ceremony. They also invited devotees from across Navi Mumbai and Maharashtra to visit the mandal and seek Bappa’s blessings.
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