Gujarat Police has stepped up security and assistance for devotees travelling to Ambaji Dham in Banaskantha district for the annual Bhadarvi Poonam pilgrimage, which runs from September 20 to 26. With lakhs of devotees travelling to the shrine, authorities have focused on crowd management, traffic regulation, emergency response and the safety of those undertaking the journey on foot.
The heightened arrangements follow a September 21 accident near Himmatnagar in Sabarkantha, where an SUV allegedly hit a group travelling towards Ambaji, killing one person and injuring 11 others. Police have deployed around 6,000 personnel for the festival, with the area divided into 10 sectors and more than 600 CCTV cameras being used for surveillance. Authorities have stressed that the safety and assistance of devotees remain a priority.
Police Strengthen Security
The Bhadarvi Poonam fair attracts a large number of devotees from across Gujarat, many of whom travel on foot in groups towards the Ambaji temple. To manage the movement, Gujarat Police has deployed personnel across key routes and the pilgrimage area, alongside Home Guards and Gujarat Rakshak Dal personnel. Reports said the security arrangement includes two SPs, 25 Deputy Superintendents of Police, 17 inspectors and 120 police sub-inspectors, as part of the wider deployment. More than 600 CCTV cameras are being used to monitor movement, while a dedicated control room has been established to coordinate security and crowd-management operations.
Recent Accidents Highlight Road Safety Concerns
The enhanced arrangements come days after a serious accident near Dolgadh, around 11 km north of Himmatnagar, on September 21. An SUV allegedly crossed a barricade and struck a group of people travelling towards Ambaji, leaving one person dead and 11 others injured. Sabarkantha Superintendent of Police Parthrajsinh Gohil said the injured included pilgrims and volunteers associated with roadside seva camps.
The driver was detained and police said an investigation was underway, including examination of whether he was driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident was followed by an angry crowd allegedly setting the SUV on fire. A second road accident was reported on September 22, when at least eight devotees returning from Ambaji were injured after a car collided with their chhakdo rickshaw in Sabarkantha’s Idar taluka. Three were reportedly in serious condition.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Large pilgrimages are an important expression of faith and community, bringing people together across villages, towns and cities. But when thousands travel along busy roads, safety cannot depend on faith alone. Authorities, drivers, pilgrims, volunteers and local communities all have a role in preventing avoidable tragedies. Clear pedestrian routes, effective barricading, responsible driving, adequate lighting, emergency medical support and timely police intervention can help make such journeys safer.
At the same time, public anger after accidents should not turn into further violence; accountability should follow due process while authorities work to protect those travelling. As the Ambaji pilgrimage continues, what more can authorities and citizens do together to make large religious gatherings safer for everyone?
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