From correspondents in Gujarat, India, 07:30 PM IST

Gujarat's biggest religious congregation is on at Ambaji, with over 600,000 pilgrims visiting the temple town in just four days and more expected to visit it Sunday amid tight security measures, following the terror blasts in New Delhi.

'Authorities expect about 2.5 million pilgrims to take part in the congregation,' said P.K. Jadeja, the administrator of the temple dedicated to Goddess Ambaji, about 200 km from here.

The congregation will end Monday with a fair on the full-moon day of the Bhadrapad month of the Hindu calendar. Unprecedented security was put in place for the fair in the wake of Saturday evening's serial blasts in Delhi.

'We were alert after the serial blasts in Ahmedabad (of July 26) and recovery of bombs in Surat. But the Delhi serial blasts last evening have made us even more alert and active,' said District Superintendent of Police D.N. Pastel.

'Round-the-clock checking of individuals and vehicles is being done and special measures are being initiated to see that no unauthorised persons get into the town,' Patel said.

'The CCTV sets have been installed for the first time at all four important points including Hadad in Danta taluka, Kailash tekri at Ambaji, Kengora near Virampur and Chhapri on the Rajasthan border.

'A team of bomb detection and disposal squad, Quick Action Team and dog squads are kept ready at the fair ground,' said Patel.

Meanwhile, all roads leading to Ambaji are packed with an endless queue of pilgrims. The temple town has been geared up for the festivities, said Collector R.J. Patel, who is also chairman of the temple trust.

The 11-km Trishulia Ghat, known for its hairpin bends, wears a festive look with festoons, flags and colourful lighting.

Volunteers from Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara as well as people from the town are managing camps and stalls to provide free food and refreshments to the pilgrims.

The officials said every care was being taken to meet any emergency. Primary health camps are located after every five kilometres.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)