IN A FIRST, DD TO AIR GORAKHNATH TEMPLE’S KHICHDI FAIR LIVE

GORAKHPUR: In a first, public broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) will air Gorakhnath temple’s famous khichdi fair live on Makar Sakranti, the beginning of Hindu calendar.

The All-India Radio (AIR), which has been covering the fair for years, will also broadcast the event. “The fair has gained prominence over the years. It has been decided that the event will be aired live on Doordarshan as well as AIR,” divisional commiss ioner, Gorakhpur, Anil Kumar said. Over three lakh devotees from the state are expected to attend the fair.

The month-long fair will begin with special pre-dawn puja by chief priest and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath where he will offer first khichdi sent by Nepal’s royal family to Baba Gorakhnath.

Asked if the khichdi fair be different this time as Yogi has been elevated to the post of the chief minister, temple’s PRO Vinay Gautam said every ritual would be performed as per the tradition. The CM will be in Gorakhpur from January 11 to 15.

Holding a review meeting, the divisional commissioner instr ucted the officials to complete preparations for the fair by December 25. The commissioner asked the municipal corporation authorities to make proper arrangements for sanitation and lighting in and around the temple. He also directed the officials to ensure repair of roads leading to the temple.

THE ALLINDIA RADIO (AIR), WHICH HAS BEEN COVERING THE FAIR FOR YEARS, WILL ALSO BROADCAST THE EVENT