Historic Gathering at Chaitya Bhoomi as Lakhs Converge to Commemorate Baba Sahab Ambedkar's 67th Mahaparinirvan Divas

Mumbai-Traffic diversions are in effect, special trains are in operation, and an extensive array of facilities including mobile toilets, bathrooms, drinking water taps, electrical charging points, control rooms, and medical rooms have been set up. Collaborative efforts from Central Railways, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Police are underway to cater to the massive influx of people who have begun arriving to pay their respects at Chaitya Bhoomi, the sacred resting place of the revered Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Anticipating an unprecedented gathering, Mumbai is gearing up for the 67th Mahaparinirvan Divas, as an estimated 6 lakh followers are set to throng Chaitya Bhoomi on Wednesday to pay homage to Baba Sahab. The BMC and various authorities have orchestrated extensive preparations to ensure a seamless and secure experience for devotees.

The BMC, in collaboration with other agencies, has undertaken elaborate preparations to cater to the massive crowd. Temporary accommodations, VIP rooms, portable bathrooms, toilets, and drinking stations have been strategically placed at Shivaji Park, providing essential amenities to the expected people.

To facilitate devotees arriving from different states and parts of Maharashtra, the BMC has erected a massive waterproof canopy covering over one lakh square feet at Shivaji Park. Special arrangements, including facilities for nursing mothers, have been made to address the diverse needs of the attendees.

Recognizing the surge in visitors, the Mumbai Traffic Police has implemented new traffic diversions and restrictions around Dadar, aiming to alleviate potential congestion. Central Railways has also announced additional train services, including 12 unreserved special trains and 18 long-distance trains, to ensure smooth commuting for those traveling to Mumbai for the occasion. Tightened security measures and traffic restrictions have also been implemented at Dadar Station.

In a bid to make the event accessible to a broader audience, the civic body has planned to live-stream the proceedings across popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. This initiative allows those unable to attend physically to participate virtually in the commemoration.

"Ambedkar is perhaps the only leader who manages to move the masses, even so many years after his death. Lakhs of Bahujans gather at Chaityabhoomi each year, but this phenomenon is largely neglected by the Indian media', says Somnath Vaghmare, a filmmaker whose one-hour-long documentary named 'Chaitya Bhoomi' was recently screened at LSE, where Baba Saheb studied and spent many major years of his youth. "Barring a few regional papers, no one would even care to check what inspires such a deprived class to travel miles on this day. But today, they are fully aware that they can’t get away with such insensitive, mindless coverage. Ambedkarites will hold them accountable and call their casteism out promptly. You find a slightly informed news coverage now" Somnath said in an interview to The Wire.

Vaghmare's documentary focuses on the annual pilgrimage of approximately 10 lakh people, predominantly from the Dalit and OBC communities, to Chaityabhoomi. Starting from December 1, individuals, primarily from northern states, journey to Mumbai, followed by others from different regions. They lodge near Shivaji Park, spending nearly a week in the city. Mainly comprised of landless laborers, they travel in passenger trains with minimal belongings. The diverse crowd includes Nepalese and Sri Lankans. Throughout the week, the area sees the emergence of book and music stalls, along with performances by folk and street artists. Despite limited means, attendees willingly invest their earnings in anti-caste literature and music, creating a remarkable scene.

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