The auspicious occasion of Bhadvi Chhath witnessed a massive surge of faith at the Lord Devnarayan Dham located in Meenon ka Nayagaon, Kekri, Ajmer. On Thursday, the Lakhi Mela was organized with great fervor, attracting a sea of devotees from various parts of Rajasthan. From the early hours of the morning, long queues of pilgrims began to form as people waited patiently to catch a glimpse of Lord Devnarayan. The atmosphere was filled with religious chants and a sense of deep devotion as the crowd swelled throughout the day.
Weather Challenges and Devotional Resilience
The day wasn't without its challenges as the weather played a significant role in the proceedings. In the afternoon, a spell of rain began, which caused temporary inconvenience to the thousands of devotees standing in the open. However, the rain couldn't dampen the spirits of the faithful. By around 4 PM, the weather cleared up, and the fair regained its full momentum. It's estimated that more than 200000 devotees visited the temple and performed darshan throughout the day. The queues of pilgrims stretched for nearly 3 kilometers from the main Devnarayan Dham, and many had to wait for several hours in line before reaching the sanctum sanctorum.
Rituals, Offerings, and Cultural Attractions
Devotees expressed their gratitude and sought blessings by offering Kheer, Churma, and coconuts to Lord Devnarayan. Many pilgrims also made special vows for the well-being of their families. The fairground was a hub of activity, with the traditional Ghodi dance being a major center of attraction for the visitors. Families, including women and children, were seen enjoying the various swings and carousels set up at the venue, while the local markets within the fair were bustling, with women and young girls actively purchasing Manihari items and other traditional goods.
Massive Food Arrangements by 400 Halwais
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Lakhi Mela was the large-scale food distribution or 'Prasadi' organized for the pilgrims. A dedicated team of more than 400 halwais (confectioners) had been working tirelessly for the past 2 days to prepare the meals. Arrangements were made to feed approximately 150000 devotees. After the initial offering was made to Lord Devnarayan in the morning, the distribution of Prasadi began. By late evening, more than 150000 people had partaken in the community meal, showcasing the immense scale of the hospitality at the Dham.
Security and Traffic Management
To ensure the safety of the massive gathering and maintain law and order, the police administration implemented a comprehensive security plan. Personnel from five different police stations, including Kekri Sadar, Kekri City, Sarwar, Sarana, and Sawar, were deployed at the site. Additional forces from the Police Line were also called in to assist. Senior officials, including Additional Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar Meel and Deputy Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Gupta, conducted regular tours of the fair area to monitor the security arrangements. To manage the heavy traffic, the police set up barricades about 1 kilometer away from the venue on roads coming from Kekri Road, Undri village, and Gulgaon. Despite these measures, the sheer volume of devotees arriving in the evening led to significant traffic jams, while sadar SHO Mukesh Gaura and his team remained on the ground to manage the flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
Processions and Musical Evenings
The fair saw participation from devotees coming from regions such as Shahpura, Bhilwara, Bundi, Tonk, and Ajmer. Many groups arrived as 'Padayatris' (foot pilgrims), dancing to the tunes of DJs and carrying religious flags, while a particularly notable procession arrived from Ekalsinha, featuring 51 flags, which became a highlight of the event. The festivities had actually commenced on Wednesday night with a grand Bhajan Sandhya. Renowned singers Raju Rawal, Puran Gurjar, and Hansraj Gurjar performed soul-stirring bhajans dedicated to Lord Devnarayan, keeping the audience enthralled and dancing until the late hours of the night.