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Lucknow, Oct 26 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday reviewed the preparations for the annual Kartik Purnima fair in Garhmukteshwar (Hapur district) and Tigri Mela in Amroha.
After conducting an aerial survey of the fair sites, he held a review meeting and issued necessary instructions to all concerned departments.
The Chief Minister said that during Kartik Purnima, about 40 to 45 lakh devotees gather on the banks of Ganga to take a holy bath and offer lamps. He stressed that all arrangements should be timely, well-coordinated and focused on ensuring a seamless experience for devotees.
CM Yogi instructed the officials to give top priority to traffic management, security, cleanliness, health facilities, drinking water and lighting. This year, the fair, which runs from October 30 to November 5, is being organized as a “Mini Kumbh”.
Emphasizing that the safety of devotees is paramount, the Chief Minister directed deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams, CCTV and drone surveillance, rescue boats and setting up helpline centers at all Ganga ghats.
He also underlined the need to integrate the fair with messages of cleanliness and environment protection, calling for a complete ban on single-use plastics. The Irrigation Department has been tasked with ensuring timely completion of installation of checkerboard plates, testing of pontoon bridges and dredging work in erosion-prone areas.
CM Yogi directed that NDRF/SDRF and flood units should remain on constant alert with proper barricading in deep water areas. Counseling sessions should be organized to promote discipline among the devotees. CCTV feeds, public address systems and integrated control centers should be continuously monitored.
The Chief Minister also stressed on maintaining cleanliness in parking areas and ensuring vehicle safety.
He directed that all temporary toilets be equipped with zero-liquid-discharge systems to prevent leakage. Adequate crowd management, clean changing rooms, proper waste and bottle collection systems and uninterrupted power supply should be ensured. The electricity department has been instructed to maintain electrical safety at all sites.
Before this, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed Ganga puja at the fair site and inspected the Sadar Bazaar in the Garh Mela area. He also visited the under construction ‘Modha’ store at Garhmukteshwar and appreciated the craftsmanship and quality of the traditional Modha.
Garhmukteshwar has deep religious and mythological significance. According to legend, after the Mahabharata war, Yudhishthira, Arjuna and Lord Krishna took a bath in the Ganga here to pray for the peace of the souls of their ancestors. It is also believed that Lord Parashurama had established the holy Mukteshwar Mahadev at this very place.
Both the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata describe Garhmukteshwar as a revered pilgrimage site, where bathing in the Ganges and worshiping one’s ancestors leads to salvation. The annual Kartik Purnima fair is not only a celebration of deep religious faith but also a vibrant reflection of cultural heritage and folk traditions.
Every year, lakhs of devotees gather at Brij Ghat and Mukteshwar Ghat to take a holy bath, light lamps and perform rituals in honor of their ancestors.
–IANS
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