Panchkula: Preparations for the upcoming Ashwin Navratras, which will be celebrated from Oct 11 to Oct 20, are underway at the Mata Mansa Devi temple in Panchkula.The Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board has initiated several development projects and administrative arrangements to accommodate the large influx of pilgrims expected during the 10-day celebrations.For now, the focus is on infrastructure improvement. The board has approved a Rs 2.8-crore project for complete recarpeting of roads and parking facilities within the shrine complex in Sector 5. Scheduled for completion within four months, the project also includes a three-year maintenance contract and a defect liability period to ensure the quality of the work.Police security has been requested for the 10-day period. Additional CCTV cameras will be installed during the celebrations for better surveillance as thousands of devotees are expected to throng the temple.To manage logistics, the chief administrator’s office has invited applications for various operational partnerships and commercial licences. Authorities are accepting proposals from qualified agencies to handle essential services, including the installation and operation of LED walls for live telecasts from the temple and cultural programmes, as well as flower decoration across the shrine complex.Additionally, the administration plans to lease designated spaces for temporary shops selling items such as prasad and maniari. By organising these services in advance, the shrine management aims to provide a smooth and secure experience for devotees.Besides, a Rs 6.5-crore modernisation plan is underway to make visits to the temple smoother. The project proposes construction of a new entry hall and main gate, along with improvements around Shakti Chowk and the temple approach road. New visitor amenities, including a water ATM, staircases, a corridor leading to the temple, an upasana sthal and a dome structure, will also be developed as part of the plan.
