As the New Year approaches, temples across Ranchi are implementing comprehensive plans to manage the anticipated surge of devotees. Key shrines are extending their darshan hours, organizing night-long jagratas (vigils), and conducting special rituals to accommodate the faithful while ensuring public safety.
Major Temples on High Alert
Prominent temples like the Ambareshwar Shiv Temple Dham in Khunti district, Chhinnamasta Temple in Ramgarh, Jagannathpur Temple, and the iconic Pahari Temple in Ranchi are at the center of these preparations. Temple management committees are working in close coordination with district administrations and local police to streamline the pilgrimage experience.
Officials have confirmed that extensive arrangements are now in place. These include the installation of additional barricades, the creation of separate entry and exit routes to prevent bottlenecks, and the strategic deployment of volunteers. Enhanced CCTV surveillance and a strong police presence, especially during late-night and early-morning hours, form the backbone of the security plan. Special care protocols have been established for elderly devotees, women, and children to prevent overcrowding and ensure their safe and orderly movement.
Special Arrangements at Pahari Mandir
The hilltop Pahari Mandir has announced significant changes to its schedule to facilitate the influx. The temple gates will open at 4 am on New Year's Day, a full hour and a half earlier than the usual 5:30 am opening time. Additional barricading is being installed around the shrine premises to manage the expected rush effectively.
Utkarsh Kumar, the SDO and secretary at Pahari Mandir Vikash Samiti, detailed the preparations. "To mark the occasion, we are putting up special decorations to enhance the festive and devotional atmosphere," he said. Approximately 50 trained volunteers have been deployed, working alongside adequate police and security personnel. Their primary role is to assist devotees, manage crowd flow, and ensure smooth movement and safety throughout the New Year celebrations.
A Coordinated Effort for a Peaceful Celebration
The collective effort across Ranchi's spiritual centers highlights a proactive approach to festival management. By integrating extended religious services with robust logistical and security measures, authorities aim to provide a serene and secure environment for devotees to welcome the New Year. The focus remains on balancing religious fervor with practical crowd control, ensuring that the celebrations are both spiritually fulfilling and incident-free for all attendees.
