The famous pilgrimage town of Khatu Shyam Ji in Rajasthan's Sikar district is bracing for a massive wave of devotees on the occasion of Nirjala Ekadashi. The special two-day religious event begins tomorrow, and lakhs of devotees from every corner of the country are expected to reach Khatu Dham. Keeping in mind this huge crowd gathering for the darshan of Baba Shyam, along with security concerns, the administration has declared Khatu Shyam Ji town a complete no vehicle zone for the next three days.
All Vehicles Barred on the Ringas Route from Tonight
To keep traffic moving and manage the crowds, the main road from Ringas to Khatu Shyam Ji will be fully closed to vehicles of every kind starting tonight. During this period, devotees heading toward Khatu Dham will be allowed to travel only on foot. Apart from VIP and emergency vehicles, no private or commercial vehicle will be permitted on this stretch, so that devotees walking on foot face no trouble.
260 CCTV Cameras Keeping a Sharp Watch
To tighten security for the crowd of lakhs, the police and fair administration have set up a high-tech arrangement. A total of 260 CCTV cameras have been installed on the main roads of Khatu town, at the major gates, exit routes, and both inside and outside the Shyam temple complex. Through these cameras, the entire fair area will be monitored minute by minute from a central control room. Extra police units have also been deployed to keep an eye on suspicious activity and crowd pressure.
From Delhi to Kolkata, Shyam Devotees Pouring In
In Hinduism, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered extremely sacred and rewarding. This day holds special significance at Baba Shyam's court, which is why groups of devotees from across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, Kolkata, Punjab and Haryana, have already begun arriving in Khatu. The energy of devotees walking on foot from Ringas, carrying colourful Shyam Nishan (flags) and chanting Baba's praises, is a sight to behold. The entire area is echoing with cries of 'Jai Shri Shyam' and 'Hare ke sahare ki jai'.
Full Arrangements for Shade, Cold Water and Medical Camps
Given the heat and the waterless fast of Nirjala Ekadashi, the administration and various Shyam service committees have made special arrangements along the foot route and in the zig-zag (queue) areas. Tents and mats have been laid out at various spots to shield devotees from the scorching sun. Alongside this, cold water, ORS solution and medical camps have been arranged so that devotees standing in long queues do not face any health-related problems. The temple committee has also put in place solid arrangements to make the darshan smoother.
