Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The city is set to witness a grand spectacle on Rang Panchami on Wednesday, as the world-famous Gair procession unfolds in its full vibrancy.

This year, the event will be bigger than ever, with an estimated 25,000 kg of coloured powder (gulal) and lakhs of litres of water set to be sprayed on participants.

A total of 370 people have booked their places on rooftops to watch the spectacle. The three-kilometer-long procession will feature three Gairs and one Faag Yatra, accompanied by DJs playing energetic music, making it an unforgettable experience. With such massive participation, the city administration has taken extensive measures to ensure smooth execution, security, and post-event cleanup.

The Municipal Corporation will officially take part, and a special NRI Rath has been arranged for over 60-70 non-resident Indoris who will be participating in the celebrations.  The historic Rajwada Palace has been covered with large yellow plastic sheets to prevent any damage.

Several other buildings in the Gorakund and Sarafa areas have also been covered, and many local residents have taken precautions by wrapping their houses in plastic sheets. To ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents, Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh has divided the entire Gair route into 100-200 meter security sectors.

High-rise watchtowers and CCTV cameras will monitor the crowd, and emergency exit routes have been planned, particularly in narrow lanes.  Collector Asheesh Singh has confirmed that ambulances will be stationed nearby, and necessary emergency arrangements have been made. Authorities have urged the public to maintain discipline and cooperate, as Indore continues its efforts to get the Gair festival recognised by UNESCO.

As the celebrations conclude, a massive cleanup operation will begin immediately. Over 500 cleaning staff will be deployed to ensure a swift cleanup of the entire route, with the Indore Municipal Corporation aiming to complete the process in record time. Photos and videos of the event will also be sent to UNESCO as part of Indore’s continued efforts to gain global recognition for this unique tradition.

Traffic restrictions and parking facilities

The following roads will be accessible for alternative routes: Mriganayani, Subhash Marg, Gangwal Bus Stand Mhow Naka Square, Palsikar Square, Tower Square, Bhanwarkuan Parking areas Shivaji Market, Sanjay Setu Riverside Machhi Bazaar Kadav Ghat, Jinsi Hat Ground Malhar Ashram Rambagh, Harsiddhi Temple Khalsa Stadium, Malganj Vegetable Market

Legacy of Gair

Indore's Gair has a rich history dating back 75 years, initiated by Premswaroop Khandelwal, Babulal Giri, and Satyanarayan Sattan. What started as a small celebration with bullock carts and horse-drawn carriages has evolved into a grand event featuring missile-like water sprayers, giant tankers, and high-powered DJs. Event organiser Kamlesh Khandelwal shared that his ancestors started the Gair in the 1940s and 50s, and today, their second generation manages the event, while the third generation is ready to carry forward the tradition.

Indore's efforts for UNESCO recognition

Indore has been striving for years to get Gair listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage event, but the journey remains challenging. Monika Rai, additional secretary in the Ministry of Culture, clarified that Gair has not yet been included in India's National Heritage Inventory—a crucial step before applying for UNESCO status. Despite repeated proposals, Gair has not yet been officially recognised as a national heritage event. However, authorities, including MP Shankar Lalwani, continue to push for its inclusion.

Admin arrangements

Collector Asheesh Singh has divided the entire Gair route into nine sectors and appointed additional collector level officers as in charge officers, for coordination in maintaining law and order during the Gair processions and Phag Yatra.

Additional district magistrate Roshan Rai will be the coordinator of overall law and order. Additional collector Gaurav Benal will be in charge of Sector No. 1, 2 and 3.

Similarly, additional collector Jyoti Sharma is in-charge of Sector No. 4, 5 and 6 and additional collector Rajendra Singh Raghuvanshi is in charge of Sector No. 7, 8 and 9.  Executive magistrates have also been deployed with each Gair to maintain law and order and look after other arrangements.

CM to participate

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will come to the city on Wednesday and participate in the Gair. According to the scheduled programme, he will come to the city at 12 noon and will leave for Ujjain from the city at 1.30 pm.