Ambaji (Banaskantha): The most famous fair in Gujarat at Ambaji was teeming with people since its commencement on Thursday. In the two days, an estimated three lakh devotees had visited the mela at Ambaji which was echoing with the shouts of 'Bol Mari Ambe Jay, Jay Ambe'. The ll-km-long Trishulia Ghat route towards Ambaji town was decorated with festoons, flags and colorful lights.

The temple administration expects the number of devotees to increase this time. "We are expecting about 25lakh pilgrims to visit Ambaji Temple and the mela," said PK Jadeja, temple administrator.

All roads leading to Ambaji are choc-a-bloc with singing and dancing devotees. Many devotees are on way to Ambaji to invite the Goddess to play Garba with them in the coming Navratri. Karsanbhai, 42, was walking all the way to Amba¬ji from Radasan in Mehsana District. "We are going to give an invite to Mother Ambaji to play Garba with us this Navratri. There is a strong belief amongst the believers that the Goddess visits her devouts during Navratris," he said. "Our request would be granted once we personally invite the Goddess Ambaji," said Kashiben (45) and Santokben (62), who are part of the groups on way to the temple from Kheralu and Pilucha in Mehsana.

District collector and chairman of temple trust RJ Patel said, "We have made good arrangements to make one of the biggest fair a memorable event. We have made arrangement for free food for those coming to visit the temple congregation." Arrangement for free food and refreshment has also been made by voluntary organizations from Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara and other places. Besides, primary health camps have been set up at a distance of every 5 km. A mobile ambulance van having medical officer and nurses and equipped with sufficient medicines has been stationed on the roadside to meet any emergency situation.

Meanwhile, tight security arrangement has been made for the ongoing mela. As a security measure, police have installed 25 close circuit television sets at strategic locations to monitor the activities of the visitors both inside and out- side the temple premises.

Via: TOI By: Pramod Panwar