Navratri splendour: Bala Sundari Temple set for grand celebration

The revered Mahmaya Shri Bala Sundari Temple in Trilokpur of Sirmaur district, one of North India’s most prominent pilgrimage sites, is all set to host the grand Ashwin Navratri fair from September 22 to October 7. With elaborate arrangements in place, thousands of devotees are expected to flock to the shrine during the festive period.

Providing details, Rajeev Sankhyan, SDM, Nahan, and Joint Commissioner of the Temple Trust, said the preparations have been completed to ensure a smooth and safe celebration. To maintain law and order, barricading has been set up across the temple premises, and a total of 400 security personnel, including 150 police officers, 100 home guards and 150 private security guards, will oversee security.

The temple will remain open for devotees from 4 am to 10 pm every day. Depending on the rush, the timings may be extended. For the first time, devotees will also be able to witness live darshan of the sanctum sanctorum from their homes through the temple’s official website. The portal will also facilitate online bookings and donations via QR code.

To cater to the devotees, five community kitchens will serve food round the clock in the Bhandara block near the magistrate duty room. The Health Department has deployed medical teams at Panipat Dharamsala, near Shiv Mandir, and the duty magistrate’s office to provide 24-hour medical services. Ten additional water tankers have been stationed to ensure a steady supply of drinking water, while 80 sanitation workers have been engaged to maintain cleanliness throughout the mela.

This year, newly introduced attractions such as a Pad Prakshalan Kund at the main gate and a selfie point within the temple complex are expected to draw special attention. Floral decorations inside the temple have also been completed to welcome devotees.

Parking arrangements have been made at multiple points—HIMUDA’s parking for cars, the bypass road for heavy vehicles, and the bus stand for two-wheelers. To assist elderly and differently-abled devotees, the temple trust has arranged two small vehicles to ferry them from parking areas to the temple premises.