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20 lakh devotees expected in Navi Mumbai for Hind Di Chadar event
Traffic Advisory Issued with Road Closures, Entry Restrictions and Diversions as City Prepares for Massive Turnout
Over 15 lakh devotees are expected in Kharghar this weekend for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Navi Mumbai is set to witness one of its largest ever religious congregations this weekend, with an estimated 15 to 20 lakh devotees expected to attend the Hind Di Chadar commemoration in Kharghar on February 28 and March 1.
The event, marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, will be held at Owe Ground in Sector 29. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the gathering virtually, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other senior leaders are expected to attend.
Authorities have rolled out a multi agency plan to manage the scale of the congregation. The Konkan Divisional Commissioner’s office is coordinating preparations along with the Navi Mumbai and Panvel civic bodies, Raigad district administration and police.
Nearly 3,000 personnel will be deployed, backed by over 300 CCTV cameras and a central control room to monitor crowd movement. A one to two kilometre radius around the venue will be designated a restricted vehicular zone.
Heavy traffic is expected from Mumbai, Thane and Pune. Diversions have been planned on Sion Panvel Highway, particularly to regulate heavy vehicles heading towards Jawaharlal Nehru Port area. Around 30 to 38 parking grounds have been earmarked, and more than 150 special bus services will operate to ferry devotees.
Civic authorities have installed nearly 1,000 temporary toilets and deployed over 500 sanitation workers. Drinking water facilities, lighting and power backup systems have been put in place. Accommodation for about 25,000 visitors is being arranged.
Medical preparedness includes over 300 doctors and paramedical staff, multiple temporary health centres, 20 ambulances and a temporary ICU unit. Around 350 hospital beds, including 75 ICU beds, have been kept on reserve in nearby hospitals.
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The Sikh community has set up a large langar pavilion to serve free meals, supported by thousands of volunteers.
Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered as Hind Di Chadar or Shield of India, was executed in 1675 and is remembered for defending religious freedom.
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