PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Nainital
The first day of the new year-2026 witnessed an unprecedented scene of faith with thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad thronging Kainchi Dham hallowed with the association of the revered saint, Neeb Karori Baba.
The devotees’ journey started as early as 5 AM along the Bhowali-Almora National Highway and surrounding roads and the stream continued till late evening. The shrine sources said that over 30,000 devotees visited it till evening.
Anticipating a huge throng of devotees on the special day, the administration and police had left nothing to chance as far as the security of the devotees was concerned. To ease the traffic pressure, a special shuttle service remained operational at the initiative of police. Private vehicles were not allowed to move up to Kainchi Dham. Besides, parking was also arranged at various places for taxis and two-wheelers, which made traffic to the shrine easier.
A police officer said that private vehicles were stopped at the designated parking lots from where the devotees were sent to Kainchi Dham through shuttle vehicles. “This prevented traffic jams and kept the traffic movement smooth,” he added.
The administration also put health disaster and emergency services on alert mode.
Looking content after darshan of the Baba, the devotees said that they had felt a deep serenity inside while paying obeisance to the saint. “Along with peace, we felt a powerful positive energy suffusing us,” said a beaming devotee. They also commended the temple management, police and administration for the efficient crowd and traffic management.
