Nashik Police Implement Robust Security Plan for Annual Infant Jesus Feast
In anticipation of lakhs of devotees converging for the annual feast at the Shrine of Infant Jesus in Nehru Nagar, Nashik, the city police have deployed a heavy security detail. The shrine organizes its feast every year on the second Saturday of February, which falls this Saturday, with special mass prayers also scheduled for Sunday due to the expected influx of pilgrims continuing into the following day.
Security Measures and Traffic Management
Senior police inspector Jayant Shirsath has confirmed that strict security measures are in place to prevent any untoward incidents during the event. A large contingent of police personnel will be tasked with managing vehicular traffic on the busy Nashik-Pune highway directly in front of the shrine. The security plan involves 100 personnel who will be stationed from early morning until late at night on both Saturday and Sunday, ensuring continuous monitoring and crowd control.
To accommodate the massive rush, which has already begun with thousands of devotees from across the state attending Novena prayers that commenced on February 5, the police have implemented specific traffic restrictions. Vehicular traffic is barred from Jetvan Nagar to Jai Bhavani Road, and from the opposite direction, with these restrictions in force from 6am till 11pm on Saturday and from 6am till noon on Sunday.
Alternative Routes for Motorists
Police have advised motorists to use alternative routes to navigate the area during the feast. Instead of taking the road from near Jetvan Nagar, they are requested to utilize the following stretches:
- Mhasoba Temple
- Davkhar Wadi
- Suman Hospital
- Jai Bhavani Road stretch
These routes will help facilitate movement between the Pune highway and Jai Bhavani Road, minimizing congestion and ensuring smoother traffic flow during the high-volume pilgrimage period.
The annual feast at the Shrine of Infant Jesus is a significant religious event in Nashik, drawing devotees from various parts of Maharashtra. The police's proactive measures aim to ensure a safe and orderly experience for all participants, reflecting the importance of community safety during large-scale gatherings.
