Janmashtami fair begins amidst security

Nearly 15 lakh people likely to visit the fair

Amidst adequate security arrangement, the five-day long 'Lokmela' (fair) began here at Race Course grounds, as part of the Janmasthami festival.

The fair was inaugurated by Gujarat Energy Minister Saurabh Patel this morning.

The district authority organises the fair every year to mark Janmasthami and this time nearly 15 lakh people are expected to visit the fair.

As a huge number of visitors are expected, the police department has made eleborate security arrangements, deploying around 700 policemen.

Four watch towers have been set up along with installation of around 45 CCTVs to keep a close eye on the fair, a senior police official said.

For the first time it has been decided to organise the ritual of breaking the dahi handi pot to be held on Gokul Ashthami, district collector Rajendra Kumar said.

The fair has been given an insurance cover of Rs 4 crore, district authorities said.