Prime Minister Narendra Modi has postponed his scheduled visit to the Ambaji temple in Banaskantha district on Saturday, November 14, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced in Gandhinagar on Friday, according to IANS. The Prime Minister was to offer prayers and perform rituals at the temple on Labh Pancham, an auspicious occasion associated with new beginnings in the Gujarati New Year period.

Source: IANS via BizzBuzz

Sanghavi said the Prime Minister took the decision himself after considering the large number of devotees who have been arriving at the temple over the past two to three days, and the likelihood of footfall increasing further on Labh Pancham. “He has postponed his visit to Ambaji in the interest of the people, so that everyone's wishes are fulfilled, and devotees can begin their New Year by offering prayers at the feet of Maa Amba,” Sanghavi said, adding that Modi would visit the temple again in the coming days.

The postponement had already been signalled administratively: the Banaskantha Collector's office issued a notice on Thursday stating that the November 14 programme had been postponed for administrative reasons. Preparations for the visit had been under way, with Sanghavi visiting Ambaji on Thursday to review arrangements, including security, alongside the regular movement of pilgrims during the Diwali holiday period.

Following the change in itinerary, the Prime Minister is expected to arrive at Ahmedabad airport on Friday evening and travel to Gandhinagar, where he will stay overnight at Lok Bhavan. He is now expected to return to Delhi on Saturday morning instead of travelling to Ambaji.

The Ambaji temple, dedicated to Goddess Amba, is counted among the 51 revered Shakti Peeths and draws devotees from across Gujarat and neighbouring states, with footfall rising sharply around Diwali and Labh Pancham.

Sanghavi said the Prime Minister has directed the state government to ensure that not a single devotee faces difficulty during the festival period, and that arrangements at the temple should prioritise smooth and timely darshan for ordinary pilgrims.