Bam Bam Bhole... Bhopal to shimmer in spiritual splendor as Mahashivratri extravaganza unfolds
| Date :08-Mar-2024 |
Staff Reporter
As the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri approached on March 8, the city of Bhopal is gearing up for majestic celebrations, rich in tradition and spiritual fervour. Mahashivratri festival falls on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha, a day before the new moon. This year, it is being observed on March 8, Friday. Alongside the grand festivities at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Bhopal’s Durga Dham Shaktipeeth will host a magnificent procession in honour of Lord Shiva. The famous procession, known as ‘Bholenath Ki Baraat’, which is set to commence and pass through Ashoka Garden’s main road and will make its way back to the Durga Temple. The highlight of the procession will be the majestic portrayal of Lord Mahakal as the groom, accompanied by ‘Bhoot-Pret ki Toli’ (spirits and ethereal beings).
Under the banner of Shri Baba Bateshwar Kirtan Samiti, Damaru Dal will lead a majestic procession, showcasing a grand spectacle in honour of Mahashivratri. The event will include the participation of Lord Rama’s celestial ‘Pushpak Viman’, specially brought from Ayodhya. This follows the recent presentation of the ‘Damaru Dal during the consecration ceremony of Lord Rama’s idol in Ayodhya on February 22. More than 111 members of the Damaru Dal, will kick off the procession from the Curfew Wali Mata Temple at 9:30 am today. The rhythmic beats of the damaru, an iconic symbol of Lord Shiva, will resonate through the city as the procession weaves its way through the streets, creating an atmosphere of devotion and celebration, capturing the essence of Mahashivratri’s spiritual fervour. Simultaneously, the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain has opened its gates tonight at 2:30 am, welcoming devotees for a continuous 44-hour darshan until 10:30 pm on March 9. Devotees, estimated to number around 1.2 million, are expected to flock to the sacred site, potentially breaking previous attendance records. Devotees have begun queuing up from Thursday-Friday night, forming lines that extend from the temple entrance, following a specially designated 1.5-kilometre route. To enhance the spiritual experience, stages have been set up along the darshan route featuring bhajan singers, allowing devotees to immerse themselves in devotional music.
Bhopal is all set to anticipate a convergence of spirituality and cultural vibrancy as devotees from all walks of life come together to celebrate Mahashivratri. The city stands ready to embrace the divine blessings and revel in the joyous festivities that mark this auspicious occasion. Mahashivratri Readiness: Authorities to ensure seamless celebrations at various venues today: Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh has ensured the deployment of essential law enforcement and security measures at event venues, co-ordinating with the Police Commissioner for legal and security arrangements. Municipal Commissioner for cleanliness and fire brigade services, as well as the Deputy Police Commissioner for rural security and law enforcement, have also been actively involved. Additionally, Traffic Deputy Commissioners for zones 1 to 4 are overseeing traffic management and parking facilities at the celebration sites. Similarly, Chief Medical and Health Officer, Civil Surgeon, including officials at Jai Prakash 1250, Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, are co-ordinating medical services, deploying medical teams with paramedical staff, and ensuring the availability of 108 ambulances.
The Public Works Department is tasked with barricading construction sites and repairing road potholes along the procession routes. The disaster management team, along with security personnel, is stationed at religious temples and ghats to safeguard resources against potential threats. All sub-divisional magistrates and executive magistrates have established co-ordination with the police for the smooth execution of planned events in their respective areas. The nodal officers appointed for specific programs, such as the Chief Executive Officer of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation for program site co-ordination and Vinod Sonakia, the sub-divisional magistrate for Bairagarh, are overseeing the events at Bairagarh’s Shri Ramanand Ashram Gufa Mandir.