Jaipur, February 25, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran) – The world-renowned pilgrimage site of Khatushyamji in Sikar district is witnessing an extraordinary blend of devotion, discipline and modern management during this year’s Falgun Lakhi Fair. The fair, being held from February 21 to 28, is expected to draw nearly 35 lakh devotees.
Under the direction of Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar Sharma, Rajasthan Police, the district administration and the Shri Shyam Temple Committee have jointly put in place extensive arrangements to ensure safe and smooth darshan for every visitor. This year’s strategy places special focus on technological innovation and systematic crowd management.
Final Review of Arrangements
To review preparations for the main fair and Falgun Ekadashi, Sikar SP Praveen Nayak Noonawat conducted a detailed inspection of the fair area on Wednesday along with Superintendent of Police, CID Crime Branch, Jyeshtha Maitreyi. The team inspected the mela market, the main temple परिसर and parking zones, and reviewed security and crowd control strategies.
Senior officials including Additional Director (Publicity) Dr Kamlesh Sharma, Additional SP Dr Tejpal Singh, Deputy SP Anand Rao and Niyati Sharma, along with social media experts and senior officers, were present. Officers directed deployed personnel to maintain alertness and service-oriented conduct in view of the heavy influx of devotees.
Kanhaiya Mittal’s Appeal for Discipline
Renowned bhajan singer Kanhaiya Mittal released a video message urging devotees to maintain decorum during the fair. He appealed to devotees to resolve to give up at least one personal shortcoming while coming for darshan, avoid littering, and maintain cleanliness during the Reengus to Khatu foot march. He also thanked the Rajasthan government, administration and SP Noonawat for the arrangements and urged devotees to cooperate with police.
High-Tech Security Cover
Considering the scale of the event, ADG Law and Order V.K. Singh has implemented multi-layered security measures. The entire fair area has been divided into 22 main sectors and 350 sub-sectors, with deployment of over 5,000 police personnel.
CCTV cameras and drones are monitoring the area, with real-time surveillance from a centralised control room under the supervision of in-charge officer Niyati Sharma. To keep devotees informed, 44 digital LED screens have been installed at the temple premises and entry gates displaying waiting time, aarti schedule and weather updates.
Colour-Coded Parking and Traffic Plan
Under the leadership of SP Noonawat, traffic arrangements have been simplified. Four large free parking zones have been developed for more than 25,000 vehicles arriving daily. These are Bawan Bigha (Yellow), Sanwalpura (Green), Lamiya Road (Blue) and Dataramgarh (Pink), each marked with large coloured balloons for easy identification.
From parking areas to the temple, 2,000 e-rickshaws are operating at a fixed fare of ₹25, helping prevent congestion.
Dedicated Corridor for Pilgrims
Respecting the tradition of padyatra, a 17-km vehicle-free corridor has been prepared from Reengus to Khatu. Adequate arrangements for drinking water, lighting and rest have been ensured.
Twelve police assistance booths equipped with wireless and landline facilities have been set up across the fair area to assist devotees in cases of missing persons, lost belongings or emergencies. Police have issued helpline number 112 and mobile number 9667600788 for assistance.
Lakhs Offer Prayers in Four Days
In the first three days alone, 4,10,316 devotees have offered prayers. Advanced counting cameras installed along a 75-foot-wide मार्ग are helping authorities assess crowd numbers accurately. A 14-queue darshan system has enabled smooth movement despite long lines.
The main highlight of the fair will be on February 27 (Falgun Ekadashi), when the grand chariot procession of Baba Shyam will be taken out.
Special Care for Divyang and Senior Citizens
Rajasthan Police has made special arrangements for divyang and elderly devotees. They are being transported from parking areas to the temple in dedicated vehicles, and police personnel are assisting them with wheelchairs for respectful darshan. According to SP Noonawat, every devotee visiting Khatudham is treated like a family member, and personnel have been instructed to act with sensitivity.
Innovative Outreach Initiatives
To strengthen public trust, a Shri Khatushyamji Mela Selfie Competition has been launched. Devotees can share selfies highlighting police assistance or good arrangements on social media, and 100 selected entries will be rewarded by Rajasthan Police.
As per the DGP’s directions, devotees in holding areas are also being administered pledges for de-addiction and made aware of cybercrime prevention, spreading a message of safe and responsible devotion.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
