More than two million visitors, mainly Patels (Patidar), will visit this small village, known for the temple of Maa Umiyaji who is the `kul-devi' for millions of Patels. The oganisers have given a 21st century touch to the religious celebration by simultaneously organising `Agrimeet Sidsar -- 99', a farm and agro-related fair.

"We should come out from typical religious functions like having yagnas, lectures and food," said president of the Umiya Mataji Temple Trust Mohanbhai Patel. He added, "we had therefore decided this time to make the best use of this religious gathering by providing scientific vision to the visitors during the festival".

The participants in the fair would include progressive farmers, agro input dealers, scientists, extension workers, businessmen and industrialists.

During the celebrations, there will also be 108 `kundi' maha-yagyas every day, colourful cultural programmes every night, lectures by religious personalities, exhibition and science shows. The entire event will be spread over 175 acres of land with four mandaps, 20 kitchens, 40 committees and more than 10,000 volunteers for round-the-clock service. "It is not easy to manage all these for over two million people in a village of 2,000 people," said local MLA Chimanbhai Saparia, who is also camping at Sidsar now.

A special police station has been arranged to keep vigil on the situation and maintain law and order. DSP Ajaykumar Tomar, after visiting Sidsar twice, said 600 policemen, including a DySP, four police inspectors and 55 sub-inspectors are deputed there. Special close-circuit television cameras, metal detectors and dog squads were also pressed into service, Tomar said.

Chilled sugarcane juice will be available free. The organisers have refused Pepsi and Coke companies to set up stalls. "When we have invited Rajeev Dixit of `Swadeshi movement' to address the gathering, how can we allow Coke or Pepsi?" commented Popatbhai Patel.