Solapur District: Aapda Mitras in Action: Zero-Casualty Festival Safety Model | Shri Siddheshwar Mahayatra 2026
The Shri Siddheshwar Mahayatra is an annual religious pilgrimage that draws approximately 10-15 lakh devotees to Solapur. The Akshata ceremony at Siddheshwar Lake represents the festival’s climax, where massive crowds gather at the water’s edge, creating significant safety challenges. In a pioneering approach, the Solapur District Administration, in collaboration with Solapur Municipal Corporation and Siddheshwar Temple Trust, deployed trained Aapda Mitras to ensure zero tolerance for emergencies, demonstrating that effective disaster preparedness combines prevention, partnership, and people-first planning.
Women Aapda Sakhis leading festival safety operations at Siddheshwar Lake. The collaborative team included district administration, police, and trained disaster volunteers working together for devotee safety during Shri Siddheshwar Mahayatra 2026.
Aapda Mitras on patrol at Siddheshwar Lake during Shri Siddheshwar Mahayatra 2026. Trained volunteers ensured 24/7 water safety surveillance with fully equipped rescue boats.
Strategic deployment of Aapda Mitras at Siddheshwar Lake during the Akshata ceremony. The rescue team maintained vigilant watch as thousands of devotees gathered at the water's edge for the sacred ritual (January 13-15, 2026).