Synopsis
Gujarat is set to host the Parikrama Mahotsav at Ambaji Shakti Peeth, attracting 15 lakh devotees from February 9 to 11. The festival will feature cultural events, processions, and facilities for attendees, showcasing the rich spiritual heritage of the region.Key Takeaways
- Parikrama Mahotsav at Ambaji Shakti Peeth.
- Expected attendance of over 15 lakh devotees.
- Cultural events held nightly.
- Light and sound show at Gabbar Hill.
- Initiated by Narendra Modi in 2004.
Gandhinagar, Feb 6 (NationPress) Gujarat is getting ready for the much-awaited Parikrama Mahotsav at the esteemed Ambaji Shakti Peeth located in the Banaskantha district. This event will feature the circumambulation of 51 Shakti Peeths at a single location. The three-day festival is set to begin on February 9 and will run until February 11 at the renowned Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Temple, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths.
The gathering is projected to draw in over 15 lakh devotees, marking it as one of Gujarat's largest religious congregations. Cultural performances will occur each evening from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at specified venues in Ambaji.
Moreover, a captivating light and sound display is planned at Gabbar Hill from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM throughout the festival. For the 2025 Mahotsav, organizers have outlined a series of processions, including Palkhi Yatra, Ghanti Yatra, Dhwaja Yatra, Paduka Yatra, Chamar Yatra, Mashal Yatra, Jyot Yatra, and Trishul Yatra.
To manage the vast number of attendees, the local administration has provided free meals and various facilities. The tradition of the Parikrama Mahotsav was initiated in 2004 by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
His vision was to create a project where devotees could experience all 51 Shaktipeeths in one place, leading to the creation of replicas of these Shaktipeeths around Gabbar Hill near the Ambaji Temple.
This project was finalized in 2014, enabling pilgrims to perform a parikrama (circumambulation) of all 51 Shaktipeeths at a single site.
The festival occurs annually during the Hindu month of Magha, usually in February, coinciding with the auspicious days of Magha Sud 12 to Magha Sud 14. The dates for the 2025 Mahotsav are from February 9 to February 11.
