Navi Mumbai Prepares for Major Gathering

The "Hind Di Chadar" event commemorates the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, who was executed in 1675. He is revered as "Hind Di Chadar" or the "Shield of India" for his sacrifice to protect religious freedom against forced conversions. The two-day event will take place on February 28 and March 1, 2026, at Owe Maidan in Kharghar. A multi-agency plan is in effect to manage the massive congregation. This includes the deployment of nearly 3,000 security personnel, surveillance via over 300 CCTV cameras, and a central control room. To manage the heavy traffic flow expected from Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, a one to two-kilometer radius around the venue will be a restricted zone for vehicles. To facilitate the movement of devotees, 30 to 38 parking grounds have been designated, and over 1,000 special bus services will be operational across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, offering free rides. A temporary bridge is also being constructed at Kopra to ease movement. Extensive medical infrastructure is being established, including five temporary medical centers, an ICU facility at the venue, and 350 hospital beds reserved in nearby facilities. Over 300 doctors and paramedics will be on-site, supported by 20 ambulances. For sanitation, authorities have installed nearly 1,000 temporary toilets and deployed over 500 sanitation workers. The Sikh community has organized a large langar (community kitchen) pavilion to serve free meals to an estimated 2.5 lakh people, with thousands of volunteers assisting. Accommodation for about 25,000 visitors is also being arranged. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the gathering virtually. Other high-profile attendees anticipated include Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The event is being organized in collaboration with Sikh religious bodies and coordinated by the Konkan divisional commissioner's office along with various local and district administrations.