Ambaji - A radiant atmosphere enveloped the revered pilgrimage town of Ambaji as the Shri 51 Shaktipeeth Parikrama Mahotsav-2024 concluded today. Organized jointly by the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Development Board, Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust, and Banaskantha District Administration, the five-day event saw thousands of devotees gather to celebrate faith and tradition.

The grand finale witnessed a mesmerizing Maha Aarti at the foothills of Gabbar, involving Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Assembly Speaker Shankarbhai Choudhary, ministers, MLAs, and a crowd of enthusiastic devotees. Lakhs of lamps illuminated the night, creating a spectacular sight. Following the aarti, a captivating light and sound show based on the life of Mata Sati enthralled the audience.

Adding a touch of innovation, Chief Minister Patel flagged off the Ambika Rath, a unique chariot blending faith and technology. Ministers and MLAs participated in Garba festivities within the devotional atmosphere of Gabbar, further enriching the experience.

The festival also served as a platform for social initiatives. Twenty-one children who transitioned from begging to education thanks to the efforts of Shakti Seva Kendra, Ambaji, participated in the Maha Aarti. Additionally, an exhibition showcasing handicraft products created by women self-help groups empowered and celebrated their talent.

The event saw the presence of distinguished guests, including ministers, MLAs, Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Development Board officials, district administration representatives, and the Ambaji Temple administrator. The Shri 51 Shaktipeeth Parikrama Mahotsav successfully concluded, leaving behind a lingering spirit of devotion and cultural vibrancy in Ambaji.

Ahmedabad, Oct 30 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday visited Ambaji temple and also inaugurated various projects valued at Rs 5950 crore in Gujarat.

The projects span multiple sectors, including Indian Railways, Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (GRIDE), Water Resources Department, Water Supply Department, Roads and Buildings Department, and Urban Development Department.

These projects will benefits districts like Mehsana, Ahmedabad, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Mahisagar, Gandhinagar, and Patan in Gujarat.

Modi also inaugurated 16 projects in Dabhoda village. Eight of these projects were officially inaugurated, while the remaining eight are at various stages of development.

Indian Railways and the Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (GRIDE) have played pivotal roles in these projects.

The railway projects unveiled included the Western dedicated freight corridor section from New Bhandu to New Sanand in Mehsana, spanning 77 km, and a 24 km long connecting line, which together comprise a second electrified double line.

Additionally, Modi also inaugurated the expansion of the 182 km railway line from Viramgam to Samkhiali, effectively converting it into a double track. This railway network will traverse districts such as Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Morbi, and Rajkot.

Moreover, the 29.65 km railway project between Katosan-Bechraji in Mehsana, overseen by the Gujarat Railway Infrastructure Development Corporation, was also inaugurated. These railway and GRIDE projects collectively represent a value of Rs 5130 crore.

The Water Resources Department also featured prominently, with projects including the recharge of various lakes in the delta area of Vijapur and Mansa talukas.

Also, the construction of the Valasana barrage on the Sabarmati river in Mehsana was initiated. In Mahisagar district, the Panam Reservoir-based Lift Irrigation Project is set to enhance irrigation capabilities by connecting various lakes in the Santrampur taluk. These projects, valued at Rs 270 crore, hold significant promise for the region's agricultural development.

PALANPUR, 04 October - The revered Shaktipeeth Ambaji Temple in Danta tehsil of Banaskantha district finds itself in the midst of controversy, following suspicions of adulterated ghee being used in the preparation of Prasad. Consequently, the temple administration has chosen not to renew its contract with Mohini Caterers, the Prasad-making firm in Ambaji, which expired on September 30.

Varun Varnwal, President of the Temple Trust and Collector of Banaskantha district, reported that ahead of the Bhadarvi Poonam fair, held from September 23-29, the ghee intended for Prasad preparation was sampled and tested on August 28. The sample report, received on September 15, revealed substandard quality. In response, the temple officials seized 180 boxes of the ghee and sourced pure ghee from Banas Dairy for the subsequent Prasad preparations.

With over 45 lakh devotees visiting during the Bhadarvi Poonam fair, concerns amplified about potentially adulterated Prasad being distributed. Addressing this, Varnwal stated that until a new contractor is appointed, the temple staff and cook will oversee the Prasad's preparation.

In their defense, Mohini Caterers disclosed that they had ordered 300 boxes of ghee, weighing 15 kg each, from Madhupura Neelkanth Traders of Ahmedabad before the fair commenced. They claimed 120 of these boxes had already been utilized when officials conducted a surprise raid and confiscated three tins of ghee. Reports indicate that the proprietor of Neelkanth Traders is currently evading authorities. Following the incident, an FIR has been lodged against the owner of Mohini Caterers at the Ambaji police station.

PALANPUR, 29 September - The esteemed Bhadarwa fair at Ambaji in Danta tehsil of Banaskantha district concluded after a grand seven-day celebration, with more than 45 lakh devotees paying their respects to Mata Amba. Collector Varun Varnwal officially marked the end of the Bhadarvi Poonam Mahamela on Friday by hoisting the flag atop the Ambaji temple.

During the final day of festivities, a notable devotee generously donated a 250-gram gold biscuit, valued at approximately Rs 15 lakh 5 thousand. Expressing his satisfaction at the successful organization of the event, Collector Varnwal commented on the vast number of visitors. "We had more than 45 lakh devotees this year, which exceeded our expectations," he remarked. He went on to emphasize that organizing such a large-scale event was not the achievement of a single entity but the collaborative effort of the Temple Trust, District Administration, Teerthdham Board, Gujarat Government, voluntary organizations, and various service camps.

The total revenue generated over the week, including offerings and prasad, exceeded Rs 7 crore, according to the Temple Trust.

A notable highlight was the presence of former DGP AK Singh, who journeyed on foot from Gandhinagar to Ambaji. He, alongside his wife, presented a flag at the temple's peak. The auspicious day of Bhadravi Poonam saw the Mangala Aarti being performed at 6 am, attracting a large number of devotees eager to witness the spiritual ritual.

The district administration went above and beyond in ensuring the comfort and convenience of the devotees. Comprehensive arrangements spanning several kilometers around the temple were made, including provisions for accommodation, food, and other essentials. Efforts were also ramped up to maintain cleanliness and security throughout the fair's duration.

Ambaji, Sep 25 (IANS) At least 35 pilgrims were injured when the bus they were travelling in collided with a rock on a steep slope near Chikhla, Gujarat, on Monday.

According to information, the bus was carrying the passengers from Ambaji to Anand.

Details of the exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained as authorities have started a probe.

The wounder persons have been admitted to a local hospital, and those with severe injuries were transferred to the Palanpur Civil Hospital.

Gujarat: Unseasonal rains, as predicted by the Meteorological Department, have led to dramatic weather changes in various parts of the state since Thursday morning. Many areas experienced cloudiness, thunder, lightning, and strong winds, resulting in heavy rains in Kutch, Ambaji, and Deesa. Hail accompanied rain in some parts of the state, leading to concerns about widespread crop damage.

Farmers in Gujarat have faced significant losses due to unseasonal rains in recent years. On Thursday, heavy rains affected several areas, including Banaskantha, Ambaji, and Kutch. Torrential rains flooded many shops in Ambaji, while strong winds created a mini storm-like atmosphere in Banaskantha. The heavy rains caused road flooding, leading to difficulties for vehicle drivers and creating an Ashadh-like atmosphere during the summer days.

In the afternoon, a sudden weather change brought strong winds to Kutch and Deesa. Several villages in Bhachau taluka of Kutch were affected, while Deesa and Ambaji also experienced rain. According to sources, Deesa saw rain with hailstorms, while Ambaji faced heavy rain. The rainfall raises concerns about potential damage to crops such as wheat and castor in Kutch and other parts of the state.