Focus on facilities, safety, hygiene, medical aid, and coordination ahead of September 22–November 1 pilgrimage season
Published on: September 10, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon/ Dongargarh, India
With the Navratri fair at Maa Bamleshwari Temple in Dongargarh set to begin on September 22, District Collector Dr. Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure reviewed the comprehensive arrangements being made for the influx of devotees. The fair will continue until November 1, 2025, and is expected to draw lakhs of pilgrims from far and wide.
Chairing a preparatory meeting at the Collectorate, Dr. Bhure emphasized that the annual event is one of the most significant religious gatherings in the region, and therefore, facilities must be “convenient, safe, and well-organized.” He directed officials and temple trust members to ensure smooth arrangements for devotees, including food, drinking water, accommodation, and medical assistance at service camps (seva pandals).
The Collector instructed the Food and Safety Department to conduct thorough inspections of food items and vendors. He also ordered strict cleanliness around the fairgrounds and pathways, as well as medical provisions like medicines, first aid, ORS, and glucose solutions at service camps.
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The Public Works Department was tasked with repairing roads leading to Dongargarh and installing speed breakers at accident-prone spots to ensure the safety of pilgrims, especially those walking on foot (padyatris). The Railway Department was asked to open additional ticket counters and improve facilities for devotees traveling by train.
Dr. Bhure also reviewed the ropeway facility, instructing that a fitness certificate be obtained and that ticket distribution be managed in such a way that crowding is avoided. He called for better lighting, sanitation, and signages at camps and instructed service camp organizers to coordinate with gram panchayats along the route for local support.
Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg highlighted the need for proper parking facilities, ambulance availability, and effective crowd management. He stressed that ropeway ticket distribution must be regulated to prevent congestion.
Additional Collector C.L. Markandeya informed that preparations are underway to handle the anticipated massive footfall between September 22 and November 1. Senior officials including Forest Officer Ayush Jain, Additional Collectors Prem Prakash Sharma and Khem Lal Verma, SDM Rajnandgaon M. Bhargav, Maa Bamleshwari Trust Committee Chairman Manoj Agrawal, Vice Chairman Anil Gattani, and other trustees and service camp organizers were present at the meeting.
