Gorkahpur under heavy security as rush of pilgrims likely to continue

District magistrate Krishna Karunesh, SSP Gorakhpur Gaurav Grover and SP (City) on Monday inspected the temple and put the security personnel there on alert anticipating heavy influx of devotees on Budhwa Mangal.

The Gorakhnath temple has been abuzz with devotees since Makar Sankranti which was celebrated earlier this month. Despite already being under heavy security, a huge rush of pilgrims on Mauni Amavasya last Saturday compelled the district administration to enhance the security cover in and around the temple.

Huge rush of devotees at the Goraknath temple in Gorakhpur on Monday (HT)

District magistrate Krishna Karunesh, SSP Gorakhpur Gaurav Grover and SP (City) on Monday inspected the temple and put the security personnel on alert anticipating heavy influx of devotees on Budhwa Mangal.

Mela manager Shiv Shankar Upadhyay said due to improvement in weather conditions devotees were reaching the temple in large numbers as he compared the Sunday rush to that of Makar Sankranti. “Thousands come here to attend the month-long festivities and rituals that began on Makar Sankranti,” he observed.

After praying at the temple, the devotees also explore Khichdi Mela, where stalls are exhibiting products ranging from crockery, jewellery and handloom to terracotta are available. Around one thousand stalls are said to have been set up this year.

Abdur Rahman

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