Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Lili Parikrama begins in Girnar

13-10-2013
Lili Parikrama begins in Girnar
The Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Lili-Parikrama-begins-in-Girnar/articleshow/25666350.cms

All roads lead to Mount Girnar in Junagadh as annual Lili Parikrama begins at the stroke of midnight on Wednesday. Around 8 lakh devotees are expected to participate in Girnar'sgreen pradakshina or circumambulation.

Much before the 36km parikrama begins in the presence of sadhus, early birds have already thronged to Girnar and more than 50,000 people have already completed the Parikrama. According to the Hindu calendar, the parikrama starts from 11th day of Kartik month to the 15th day every year. Forest department, district administration and police have made elaborate arrangements for the annual event.

"Since the route falls under Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary that is the habitat of Asiatic lion, we have formed various teams that will move on tractors to locate lions on the parikrama route so that they cannot hurt any human. On Monday night, a group of nine lions were spotted near Bordevi. We have also put up dustbins at regular intervals and are appealing to devotees not to litter the place," a senior forest official said.

Special water supply points have been set up on the parikrama route to meet the drinking water requirement of the devotees. At least 30 'anakshetras' (free food zones) have been set up by voluntary organizations. The route begins from Girnar Taleti. The participants will walk throughJinabava Madhi, Sarkadiya, Malvela and Bordevi before returning to the starting point on the fifth day.

Sources said lots of people begin the parikrama early to take advantage of Girnar's beautiful environment.

"We wanted to go around lush green Mount Girnar and wanted to avoid public rush. So, we started early around Girnar. It is a beautiful experience to be here in this season,'' Harshad Trivedi from Ahmedabad said.

As the route passes through the forest, it is an adventurous trip for the youngsters. After the rainfall, the ponds and rivers are brimming with water adding to the scenic beauty of the forest and the hill. More youngsters are expected to participate in the parikrama this year.

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