The city is all set to celebrate its unique Rangpanchami tradition today, where thousands of people will jump into the colourful Rahadis (water pits filled with coloured water) after performing a special puja in the afternoon. As per tradition, officials and dignitaries will be the first to jump, followed by the public after 2 PM. The Rahadis will remain open till evening, and organizers have urged people to avoid overcrowding and enjoy the celebrations safely.
The tradition of playing Holi in Rahadis has become a significant identity of Nashik. Over the past four to five years, the number of participants has increased drastically. Two years ago, a stampede-like situation occurred at the Rahadis in Tiwandha Chowk during the afternoon rush, forcing the police to intervene and temporarily shut down the area for safety reasons.
This year, organizers have opened seven Rahadis across the city to prevent overcrowding at any single location. They have advised participants, especially the youth, to avoid heavily crowded Rahadis and instead visit less congested ones to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, rain dance showers have been installed at various locations in the city to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Given the increasing number of participants each year, social activists and officials have emphasized the need for strong crowd management by the police. The peak crowd is expected between 2 PM and 5 PM, making it crucial for law enforcement and event organizers to remain alert and take strict measures to prevent any untoward incidents.
Authorities have also urged participants to cooperate with security personnel and ensure a safe, enjoyable, and incident-free celebration of Nashik’s vibrant Rangpanchami tradition.