Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh: The district administration has started full-scale preparations for the Khichdi Mela 2026, the grand annual fair held at the Gorakhnath Temple, a sacred site that draws lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad. District Magistrate Deepak Meena chaired a key review meeting with officials from all departments at Vikas Bhawan auditorium, directing that every arrangement must be completed by December 15, 2025.
Gorakhnath Mela
Calling the Gorakhnath Khichdi Mela a “symbol of Gorakhpur’s identity and devotion,” DM Meena stressed that the administration’s top priority is to ensure a smooth, clean, and safe environment for all visitors. He cautioned that any negligence by departments will not be tolerated. The month-long religious fair will commence on January 14, 2026, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, when devotees offer khichdi to Baba Gorakhnath as a mark of faith and gratitude.
Traffic and Parking Management Plans
Anticipating an even larger turnout this year, the Traffic Police and Municipal Corporation have been directed to expand parking areas and implement a circular route system to prevent congestion near the temple. CO Traffic and related departments will also issue advance route advisories to guide visitors smoothly to the mela grounds.
Sanitation and Water Facilities
Ensuring cleanliness and hygiene has been made a top priority. Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Singh Sogarwal was instructed to deploy dedicated cleaning teams for daily waste collection and maintain spotless surroundings near the temple and main approach roads.
- Public Toilets: Their numbers will be increased to accommodate the growing footfall.
- Drinking Water Supply: The Municipal Corporation and Jal Kal Department will install additional water tanks, handpumps, and stalls to provide clean drinking water. All pipelines will be checked to prevent leakages.Health and Safety Arrangements
To ensure the well-being of pilgrims, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Rajesh Jha will set up medical camps and primary health centres in and around the mela premises.
- Medical Teams: Doctors and paramedical staff will remain available with essential medicines and first aid.
- Disease Prevention: Timely fogging and anti-larval spraying will be carried out to control the spread of dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
For crowd control and public safety, SSP Raj Karan Nayyar confirmed that adequate police personnel will be deployed throughout the fair.
- Women’s Safety: Special teams of female police officers will be stationed at key locations.
- CCTV Surveillance: Cameras will be installed at the temple complex, parking zones, and major routes, monitored in real-time from a central control room to ensure vigilance.
During the review meeting, ADM City Anjani Kumar Singh presented updates on preparations, including temporary stalls, food safety checks, and electricity arrangements. The DM urged departments to work collectively so that devotees enjoy a seamless spiritual experience marked by cleanliness, security, and service.
Concluding the session, DM Meena remarked, “The Gorakhnath Mela is not just a religious event but a symbol of Gorakhpur’s cultural and social unity. Our aim is to create a safe, hygienic, and spiritually enriching atmosphere for every devotee.”
Officials Present at the Meeting
Prominent attendees included GDA Vice-Chairman Anand Vardhan, SP Traffic Rajkumar Pandey, District Development Officer Rajmani Verma, CO Mandir Ratneshwar Singh, CO Gorakhnath Ravi Singh, and CO Traffic Vivek Tiwari, among others.
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