Janmashtami fair begins amid tight security

As part of the Janmashtami festivities,the five-day ‘Lokmela’ began on Race Course grounds here,amid adequate security arrangements.

Organsed by Rajkot Municipal Corporation,the fair that sees around nearly 15 lakh people visiting it every year,was inaugurated by Energy Minister Saurabh Patel on Monday. The fair is an intrical part of the festivities that mark the birth of Krishna. With a large number of people expected to visit the fair,the police department has made elaborate security arrangements,deploying around 700 policemen. Four watch towers have been set up along with installation of around 45 CCTVs to keep a close eye on the fair,a senior police officer said.

For the first time,it was decided to follow the tradition of breaking the Dahi Handi pot on Gokul Ashthami,collector Rajendra Kumar said.