By Avijit Biswas
Bhagalpur/Deoghar: Despite the ongoing challenges posed by deficient rainfall, the spirit of the lakhs of pilgrims participating in the annual Shrawani Mela remains undiminished. This year, an unprecedented number of devotees have undertaken the 104-kilometer trek from Sultanganj in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district to the Baidyanathdham temple in Deoghar district, Jharkhand, to offer prayers to Lord Shiva during the holy month of Shrawan.
The Shrawani Mela, a significant religious event, sees pilgrims collecting holy water from the Ganga at Sultanganj and journeying on foot with Kanwars to the Baidyanath temple. This year, post-COVID, the turnout is expected to be the highest recorded, reflecting the enduring devotion of the participants.
At a recent press conference, Deoghar Deputy Commissioner Vishal Sagar and SDPO Ritik Srivastav shared that approximately three lakh pilgrims performed Jal Arpan (offering of Ganga water) to Lord Shiva at the Baidyanathdham temple on the third Monday of Shrawan. This marks the highest single-day turnout on any Monday of Shrawan since 2019. According to figures provided by the Deoghar district administration, from July 22 to August 6, more than 27.49 lakh pilgrims have visited the temple to perform Jal Arpan through various methods, including Vihya Arghaya (external arghaya), Antarik Arghaya (internal arghaya), and Shighra Darshanam.
The temple has also recorded receipts totaling over Rs 2.88 crore during this period from various sources, including offerings made by devotees. With the upcoming fourth Monday of Shrawan anticipated to attract even larger crowds, both Deoghar and Bhagalpur district administrations are intensifying their efforts to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience.
Bhagalpur District Magistrate Nawal Kishore Choudhury recently visited Sultanganj to review the arrangements made for the convenience of pilgrims and to manage the expected crowds. It is anticipated that the weekend footfall at Sultanganj and the overall turnout at Baidyanathdham temple on the upcoming Monday could surpass previous records.
As pilgrims continue their journey from Sultanganj to Deoghar, the entire route is awash with saffron, reflecting the symbolic color of the Kanwar Yatra. In addition to the traditional foot journey, some younger pilgrims have been seen using skating shoes to complete the trek, adding a modern twist to the ancient pilgrimage. The sight of devotees carrying elaborately decorated Kanwars is an added attraction of the Mela, showcasing the dedication and creativity of the participants. With enhanced facilities now available along the pilgrimage route, many pilgrims find the journey easier and more comfortable compared to previous years.
This year’s Shrawani Mela stands as a testament to the enduring faith and determination of the pilgrims, despite the ongoing challenges presented by the weather.
