Saptashrungi Devi Chaitra Yatra to start from March 26

Nashik: The administration has made all arrangements for the Shri Saptashrungi Devi Chaitra Pournima Yatra set to begin from March 26. Altogether 6 lakh pilgrims are expected to visit the shrine during the Navaratra Festival.Altogether 15 ‘hold and release' barriers will be set up to control the flow of the pilgrims at the temple shrine, 75km from Nashik city."We have set up 15 hold and release barriers when the pilgrims move towards the shrine on the stairs. This is being done to ensure there is the no rush at the shrine and that ensures safety of the pilgrims. There are two different routes - one for going climbing up the shrine and another for descending," said Bhagwan Nerkar, executive officer of Saptashrung Niwasini Trust.The officer pointed out that proper shades have been erected on the path towards the temple and from the temple to ensure the pilgrims can rest for a while and also save themselves from the heat of the Sun.Also , there is large number of people who walk up to the shrine from the base of the hills at Nanduri, where the entire footpath has also been illuminated. Since the temple will be open for all 24 hours, the path will remain illuminated along the route.Collector of Nashik, Ayush Prasad, who reviewed the preparedness said that the police, fire and health departments officials will maintain round-the-clock vigil on the entire premises, the ghat road and footpaths."Collector has said besides round-the-clock police patrolling, proper arrangements for food, drinking water, sanitation, and electricity supply for the devotees must be ensured. He also emphasised the need to ensure availability of essential amenities such as restrooms, directional signboards, wheelchairs, and access ramps, wherever required," the officer added.During the yatra, no vehicles will be allowed beyond Nanduri, except MSRTC buses. Hence, a separate parking for MSRTC buses as well as for the pilgrims is being arranged. Regarding medical services, medical teams, ambulances, and emergency beds have been earmarked at Kalwan Sub-District Hospital.