Girnar Lili Parikrama to begin in Junagadh on November 20, lakhs of devotees expected

The well-known Girnar Lili Parikrama in Junagadh, Gujarat, will begin on November 20 this year. Lakhs of devotees are expected to take part. On Thursday, the district administration, sadhus and saints, and elected representatives inspected the route ahead of the start. Arrangements for drinking water, security and other facilities for devotees were reviewed.

The Parikrama will begin at midnight on November 20 and continue till November 24. Given the number of devotees expected from across the country, the administration has begun preparations. Emphasis is being laid on strengthening facilities along the route over the next 15 days.

The administration and the sadhus and saints viewed the route prepared by the Forest Department. Satisfaction was expressed over the arrangements along the route. Last year the Parikrama had to be cancelled because of heavy rain. This year rainfall has been lower, and a different set of challenges has emerged.

Under a High Court order, carrying plastic into the Girnar forest is prohibited. Devotees have therefore been urged not to use plastic during the Parikrama. As the forest has a large quantity of dry leaves, they have also been asked to take special care while lighting a dhuni or a cooking fire.

Sant Indrabharti Bapu said the administration, sadhus and saints, MPs, MLAs and other office-bearers together inspected the Parikrama route. He said that because of lower rainfall this year, many borewells have dried up and there is a slight shortage of water.

District Collector Yogesh Chaudhary said rainfall this year has been lower than in previous years. As a result, rivers and surface water sources in the area are not available. To ensure devotees do not face a drinking water problem, the administration is arranging new borewells.

The administration has invited devotees from neighbouring districts of Gujarat as well as from other states to the Parikrama. However, given the water shortage and rising temperatures, the Collector has appealed to young children and the elderly to avoid joining this year's Parikrama or to postpone it to a later year.