Jai Shri Shyam.
If you have seen recent visuals from Khatu, something probably clicked in your mind. Long bamboo barricades. Zigzag paths. A wide open ground slowly turning into an organized route. Yes. This is Khatu Dham. Shyam Baba’s own city.
At first glance, many devotees feel uneasy. So much preparation. Such a long route. Will we really have to walk all this? A fair question. The answer needs context.
By Road
Khatu is well connected by roadways and highways:
- From Jaipur: 80 km (2 hours)
- From Delhi: 280 km (6 hours)
- From Sikar: 20 km (30 minutes)
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Reason | New Year darshan and last Ekadashi |
| Mela Dates | 30 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 |
| Special Day | 30 December, last Ekadashi of the year |
| Peak Crowd Days | 30 and 31 December |
| Expected Devotees | Around 10 to 20 lakh |
| Darshan Timing | As per temple schedule, extended during rush |
| Crowd Control System | Bamboo barricades and zigzag routes |
| Special Route Area | Charan Ground and Lagdataar Ground |
| Long Route Status | Mostly expected on 31 December |
| Average Darshan Time | 3 to 4 hours in heavy crowd |
| Walking Distance | Long walking from Toran Gate onward |
| Prepared Ground Area | Around 5 to 6 bigha |
| Purpose of Arrangements | Crowd safety and stampede control |
| Suitable Visitors | Healthy adults |
| Not Advised For | Children below 6, elders above 60 |
| Footwear Advice | Comfortable walking shoes |
| Luggage Advice | Carry minimum items |
| Overall Crowd Level | Very high |
| Devotee Tip | Patience and calm help during darshan |
Why these arrangements feel like Phalgun Mela
Every year, Phalgun Mela brings massive crowds.
This time, New Year feels similar.
- 30 December has Ekadashi. Not a normal one. The last Ekadashi of the year.
- 31 December is celebration day.
- 1 January brings fresh darshan seekers again.
Three continuous days. Heavy footfall. Lakhs of devotees.
Because of this, the administration has started preparations early. The work is happening around Charan Ground and the Lamiya Road side. Workers are active from morning till late night. No rush. Just steady effort.
Why bamboo barricades and zigzag routes are used
This is not something new.
During Phalgun Mela, the same system is used. Zigzag paths slow down movement in a controlled way. This avoids sudden pressure at one point. It reduces pushing. It lowers panic risks.
Last year, during Shyam Baba’s birthday, unexpected crowds arrived. That time, arrangements were limited. This year, the temple committee does not want to take chances. Safety comes first.
Will this long route be compulsory
Most likely, no.
Based on current planning, this route may open only on 31 December. Even that depends on crowd levels. On normal days, devotees are usually sent through regular routes.
If this long route opens, expect around three to four hours for darshan. Not more. This includes walking, waiting, and moving through the ground.
How much walking is involved
Walking is unavoidable.
That part is fixed.
From Toran Gate to Lagdataar Ground and then towards the temple, devotees need to walk continuously. Inside Lagdataar Ground itself, one hour of walking is common during peak rush. After that, more movement follows.
For healthy adults, this is manageable. Shyam naam keeps the mind steady. Time passes without notice. For others, it can be tiring.
Who should avoid visiting during peak days
This needs honesty.
Avoid bringing children below six or seven years.
Avoid bringing elderly people above sixty.
Long standing, cold nights, crowd pressure, and continuous walking can become difficult. Bhakti does not mean suffering. Baba understands intent, not discomfort.
How big is the prepared ground
Around five to six bighas.
The empty-looking areas will also be fenced. Bamboo lines will cover the full stretch. The route will guide devotees directly towards Lagdataar Ground and then onward.
Most workers here are from Bengal, especially Kolkata. The same region from where many temple artisans come. Quiet workers. Strong work ethic.
When will preparations finish
Within four to five days.
Before New Year arrives, everything should be ready. Machines are running. Ground leveling is ongoing. Poles are being placed carefully. No delay is visible.
No need to panic after seeing big arrangements
Khatu Shyam Lakhi Mela 2026
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Mela Name | Khatu Shyam Lakhi Mela 2026 |
| Main Occasion | Amlaki Ekadashi |
| Main Mela Day | 27 February 2026 |
| Mela Duration | 22 February 2026 to 28 February 2026 (expected) |
| Location | Khatu Shyam Ji, Sikar, Rajasthan |
| Religious Importance | Biggest fair of Phalgun month |
| Expected Devotees | More than 20 to 30 lakh |
| Peak Crowd Day | 27 February, Amlaki Ekadashi |
| Darshan Timing | 24 hours, subject to crowd conditions |
| Main Travel Routes | Sikar to Khatu, Ringas to Khatu |
| Foot Pilgrimage | Around 17 km walk from Ringas |
| Crowd Control System | Bamboo barricades and zigzag routes |
| Key Holding Areas | Lagdataar Ground and nearby open grounds |
| Security Arrangement | Police, home guards, CCTV surveillance |
| Medical Facilities | Temporary medical camps |
| Drinking Water | Free water service camps on routes |
| Food Facilities | Free community kitchens and bhandaras |
| Stay Options | Dharamshalas, tent city, hotels |
| Traffic Restrictions | Heavy vehicles restricted during mela |
| Vehicle Parking | Designated parking outside Khatu town |
| Advice for Children | Avoid peak crowd days |
| Advice for Elderly | Visit during off peak hours only |
| Weather Condition | Mild cold, colder nights |
| Clothing Advice | Warm clothes and comfortable shoes |
| Mobile Network | May be weak due to heavy crowd |
| Administration | District administration and temple committee |
This is important.
Seeing a large setup often creates fear. Please do not panic. These arrangements exist for your safety. To ensure no devotee faces chaos.
If walking increases, Baba gives strength.
If waiting increases, Baba gives patience.
In Khatu, faith works quietly.
Starting the New Year at Baba’s darbar
If possible, begin the New Year with darshan. Not with noise. With calm devotion.
Wear comfortable footwear. Carry minimal items. Keep water. The rest is taken care of.
If you are planning to visit Khatu Shyam Ji Mandir during New Year, come with trust. Accept the crowd. Accept the process. This too is part of devotion.
Jai Shri Shyam.
May your New Year begin with blessings, balance, and inner strength.
