5-day Mudiya Poono fair begins on July 18, preparations in full swing

More than 10 million pilgrims are expected to perform the 23-km long 'Goverdhan Parikrama' as part of the Mudiya Poono fair here, regarded as being the mini 'Kumbha Mela'.

Preparations are in the final stages for the five-day affair which kicks off on July 18, officials said.

"During the fair, 1,200 buses would ply round the clock to ferry the pilgrims. The Haryana government would press another 200 buses into service while Rajasthan would send 100 buses," Mathura district magistrate Vishal Chauhan said.

"Security has been beefed up for the fair with the installation of 24 CCTV cameras and 24 watchtowers. Also, 21 temporary police outposts are being set up and 10 patrolling parties have been identified," added SSP RKS Rathore.

To ensure safe return of the pilgrims after the parikrama (the religious tradition of making a round of Goverdhan hill), an additional 400 buses would ply from Mathura to different destinations, Rathore said.

"Movement of private buses, tractors and 'jugaad' (locally made motor vehicles) has been banned in the mela area," he stated.

Meanwhile, arrangements are being made for operating extra trains during the fair.

"We have requested for 10 additional trains to run on the Mathura Alwar rail route and at least five more on the Kasganj-Mathura route," Chauhan said.

Twelve temporary primary health centres are being set up for the fair with 10 ambulances to remain on standby during its duration, mela officer Avanish Sharma said.

He advised pilgrims to carry ID proofs to secure accommodation.

"Owners of hotels, ashrams and dharmshalas have been instructed to check ID proofs of pilgrims before accommodating them. Violation would invite punitive action," Sharma said.