Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The grand Gair procession on Rang Panchami this year witnessed an unprecedented turnout of women, with over one lakh female participants joining the celebrations.
To ensure their safety, more than 4,000 police personnel were deployed along the route, making the event one of the most secure and well-organised in recent history. Women from neighbouring states and cities actively participated in the Gair alongside male participants, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
Despite the massive crowd, the event remained peaceful and safe, thanks to the meticulous planning and security arrangements by the city administration. The three-kilometre-long procession featured three Gairs and one Faag Yatra, accompanied by DJs playing energetic music, while thousands of spectators watched from rooftops.
Emergency and health services in place
Ambulances were stationed at multiple points along the route, and necessary medical emergency arrangements had been made. Several mobile medical teams were on standby to provide immediate assistance if needed.
Record footfall and enthusiasm
This year’s Gair saw a significant increase in female participation, marking an important milestone in Indore’s cultural history. With more than one lakh women joining the celebration, the festival set a new benchmark in inclusivity and safety. Many women expressed their excitement about participating in the festival without any safety concerns. “This was my first time attending the Gair, and I felt completely safe. The presence of police officers and the well-organised event gave me confidence,” said a participant from Gujarat who came especially for the Gair.
NRI rath and UNESCO recognition efforts
For the first time, the Indore Municipal Corporation officially participated in the Gair celebrations, arranging a special NRI Rath for 60-70 non-resident Indoris. This initiative is aimed to connect Indore’s global diaspora with its rich cultural heritage. Meanwhile, authorities continued their efforts to get the Gair festival recognised by UNESCO. Photos and videos of the event were sent as part of an ongoing campaign to gain international recognition for the unique tradition.
Police bought air horns to control noise
To ensure a peaceful and enjoyable celebration, the police took an unusual step by purchasing all air horns from street vendors. This proactive move aimed to prevent noise pollution and deter troublemakers from causing disturbances. A viral video captured police officer Sanju Kamle buying air horns from a female vendor for Rs 700. Traffic officer Sumant Singh later shared the clip on social media, highlighting the police’s efforts to maintain order. “This initiative not only controlled nuisance but also helped small vendors sell their stock,” said an official. Similar measures were implemented at key entry points along the procession route, ensuring that handheld air horns were removed completely from circulation before the Gair began.
Power outage for seven hours
During the event, a planned seven-hour power cut was implemented in several key areas along the procession route. The affected locations included Jinsi Haat Maidan, Malharganj, Kailash Marg, Teli Bakhal, Bada Ganpati, Shankarganj, Sarafa, and Gorakund Chauraha, among others. Authorities stated that the power outage was necessary to prevent any electrical hazards during the festival and ensure the safety of participants.
Tight security ensures peaceful and joyous celebrations
The city celebrated the festival of Rang Panchami with great enthusiasm and joy, thanks to the police’s vigilant and security arrangements. A large police force of 4,000 personnel equipped with advanced resources was deployed on the procession route. High-rise watchtowers were set up, security personnel remained on high alert, closely monitoring the crowd with the help of CCTV cameras and drones.
To maintain discipline and prevent any untoward incidents, the entire Gair route was divided into 100-200 meter security sectors. Police commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh personally oversaw the security arrangements, ensuring that female participants felt safe throughout the event. The deployment of additional female police personnel also played a crucial role in maintaining order.
Additionally, police officers in civil dress were also deployed, who monitored people causing mischief and throwing slippers. With pic- AMBULACE
People give way to ambulance
The city’s people celebrating Rang Panchami festival with its traditional Ger procession on Wednesday showed remarkable awareness by giving way to an ambulance passing through the same route.
Additional CP had questioned the deceased youth in morning
The youth who later lost his life in an accident during the event, was stopped by a senior police official earlier in the morning. At that time little did both of them know that fate had already sealed his destiny.
Additional commissioner of police (law & order) Amit Singh had personally stopped the deceased around 8:30 am during a security briefing before the Gair had even begun.
Senior officials were actively monitoring the procession route, questioning individuals who appeared suspicious. As the youth walked past him, singing under suspicious circumstances, Singh asked, “Why are you roaming here?” to which he replied, “I have come to participate in the Gair.”
Later, upon hearing the tragic news of the man’s death, Amit Singh recalled the earlier encounter. When shown a photo of the deceased for identification, he was stunned to recognise him as the very person he had questioned in the morning.
