GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT: The Shri 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav started in Ambaji, Gujarat today, 10 February 2025.. The event is set to last for three days. The State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was present at the opening and prayed to Maa Amba for the well-being of Gujarat. He also flagged off the Palkhi Yatra and Ghanti Yatra, marking the start of the grand religious celebration.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister performed a puja at the Shakti Peeth Complex and received blessings from Bhattji Maharaj. The event is jointly organized by the Gujarat Government, Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board, and Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust.

The CM also opened the new Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya building in Ambaji. It was built at a cost of Rs 12 crore. The college offers modern facilities and can accommodate around 150 students in its hostel. The college has ten classrooms, a library, a prayer hall, and other facilities, and it has been teaching Sanskrit and related subjects since 1962.

Addressing the event, the Chief minister said, the Parikrama Mahotsav has become a global center of faith, thanks to the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He explained that Ambaji Dham is home to 51 Shakti Peeths, and the replicas of these shrines in Ambaji allow devotees to experience them in one place. This helps people fulfill their faith without traveling to all the locations.

The Chief Minister also talked about the improvements in connectivity to Ambaji, such as the Ambaji-Taranga Rail Project and the Ambaji Development Project. These initiatives aim to make it easier for pilgrims to visit and boost tourism.

Patel also handed out benefits to differently-abled individuals at the DK Trivedi Bhavan in Ambaji. This included motorized tricycles, wheelchairs, smartphones, and other items. He emphasized that the government is committed to delivering welfare benefits directly to people in need.

The Chief Minister praised the efforts of the Banaskantha district administration, which has been organizing special programs to assist differently-abled people. Many beneficiaries in the district have received support through government schemes, including assistive devices, cheques, bus passes, and disability certificates.

The Shri 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav has been planned to allow lakhs of devotees to experience the darshan of all 51 Shakti Peeths in one place. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including MLAs, former MPs, and local officials, as well as a large number of devotees.