Ahmedabad: Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) will add 195 buses and operate over 7,800 trips to Bhavnath in Junagadh district during the Mahashivratri fair. An official statement said 80 additional buses will be introduced between Junagadh bus station and Bhavnath, and 115 new buses will be introduced from other districts to Bhavnath. The annual Mahashivratri Fair at Bhavnath, located in the foothills of Girnar in Gujarat’s Junagadh, will begin formally on Wednesday with the traditional hoisting of the flag at the Bhavnath temple, officials said on Tuesday.Deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi will preside over the procession to be organised on Wednesday to mark the beginning of the Bhavnath Mahashivratri fair. A ceremonial entry of sadhus and saints is scheduled on the opening day in his presence. The five-day religious event, which draws thousands of devotees, sadhus and tourists each year, will be held amid extensive administrative arrangements aimed at ensuring orderly conduct and adequate facilities for pilgrims. The fair is a significant religious gathering associated with Shaivite traditions and is marked by the presence of ascetics and saints from various akhadas across the country.Preparations for the fair have been undertaken by the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board in coordination with the district administration, under chief minister Bhupendra Patel and the deputy chief minister.For the first time, a ‘Damru Yatra’ has been included in the programme to reflect the spiritual and cultural traditions associated with Lord Shiva.The procession will take place on Feb 11, beginning at 7 pm from the Bhavnath entrance gate and proceeding along the nearly 400-metre route to the Bhavnath temple.The local administration has also made provisions for cultural programmes, a light-and-sound show, barricading, and security.
