NAINITAL: More than 1 lakh devotees visited Kainchi Dham on Monday for its annual Foundation Day celebrations, with pilgrims from across the country reaching the hill shrine despite long journeys, traffic restrictions and unpredictable weather.
Traditional Rituals Mark the Day
The celebrations began at 5 in the morning with traditional rituals inside the temple sanctum. Priests offered malpua prasad to Baba Neem Karoli’s idol and the presiding deities, after which distribution of prasad began for devotees waiting in queues that stretched for kilometres.
Chants of “Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj Ki Jai” echoed across the hills through the day as devotees offered prayers. Among them was American visitor Max William, who said Neem Karoli Maharaj had deeply influenced his life.
Devotee’s Spiritual Journey
Max said he had spent nearly two years at an ashram studying books on Maharaj’s life, to understand his philosophy. “Arriving at the shrine has brought a sense of fulfilment to my spiritual journey. I had decided to dedicate my entire life to serving humanity, inspired by Baba’s message of universal love,” he said.
Security and Traffic Management
To manage the turnout, Nainital district administration and police implemented a security and traffic plan, with shuttle services from designated transit points to prevent congestion on narrow mountain roads. District magistrate (DM) Lalit Mohan Rayal said shuttle vehicles were stationed at Kathgodam for devotees who have arrived from different parts of the country, while parking arrangements were made at Bhowali, Bhimtal and the Sanatorium area. Authorities also set up sanitation and toilet facilities, organised queue systems and enhanced cleanliness measures across the venue.
Senior superintendent of police Manjunath TC said devotees had been offering prayers peacefully since early morning. Officials said around 250 buses and 500 smaller vehicles were deployed as part of the shuttle network, helping devotees arriving from Rampur, Bareilly, Haldwani and Ramnagar reach Kainchi Dham within one-and-a-half to two hours.
Appeal for Cleanliness
Kripal Singh, a resident, said the large gathering was also a reminder that devotees must help preserve the area’s sanctity. “The administration has made extensive arrangements, but people also need to show civic sense. Dustbins are available, yet plastic bottles, wrappers and disposable containers are often thrown on roadsides and hill slopes. If devotees come here seeking Baba’s blessings, they should also help keep the place clean,” he said.
