With a few days left for the commencement of the Jagannath Mela in the city, preparations are in full swing by the district administration as well as Jagannath Temple authority. This mega fair will start from Thursday onwards and go on till July 12.
Stressing on the safety of women during Jagannath Mela, Deputy Commissioner, Ranchi, Rai Mahimapat Ray said, “In order to ensure the safety of women during Jagannath Fair, we will deploy women security personnel in large numbers. In addition to this liquor shops as well as chicken shops will be closed during the fair to safeguard the interests of the pilgrims.”
Jagannath Mela is held every year in the city and it is in sync with the famous Puri Jagannath RathYatra. Lord Jagannath along with his siblings goes on a tour, blessing the pilgrims.
The district administration has taken several steps to ensure the well-being of visitors during the course of the fair. A control room will be set up in the base of the Jagannath Temple. Traffic routes around this area will be also be changed in order to control excessive traffic. Provisions for setting up of watch towers for the purpose of monitoring the events of the fair are being made. In addition to this more than 100 CCTV cameras will be installed to keep security in check.
City SP Harilal Chauhan, took the charge of the security concerns of Jagannath Mela and said, “Police will be completely responsible for ensuring peace and harmony during the course of the fair. In case of any mishappening, anyone can readily contact me.”
The most eye-catchy element of this entire fair, Lord Jagannath’s chariot is almost done with. A dozen workers have been employed for construction of the holy chariot. “We are done with completing the overall frame of the chariot. The seats for the three deities have also been placed. We will be starting the decoration work of the chariot soon and with it the entire look of the divine rath will be complete,” said Subodh Patnaik, maker of the chariot.
The streets around Jagannath Temple, Dhurwa are getting lined up with shops and stalls. Mostly stalls selling sweets and decorative items are well set up. Several amusements rides for the entertainment of the visitors are also being set up.
In order to make sure the fair looks flawless, people having homes adjoining mega fair have started cleaning the area around their house. “Jagannath Mela is the time of the year when lakhs of people come around this place to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
I am cleaning the area around my house, so that pilgrims head on happily to seek the blessings of the Lord,” said Babu Prince, a resident near Jagannath Temple, Dhurwa.