By Avijit Biswas
Bhagalpur/Deoghar: The footfall count of pilgrims undertaking approximately 104 kilometers trek to Baidyanathdham temple in Deoghar district of Jharkhand from Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district of Bihar is heading for a new high this season as current month of Shrawan is drawing to a close. Till August 25 the 28th day of Shrawani Mela that started on July 30 this year, more than 60 lakh pilgrims commenced Kanwar Yatra from Sultanganj for Baidyanathdham temple fetching holy water of Ganga, as per unofficial information based on people counting machine figures.
Taking into consideration the few remaining days of current Shrawan month could witness increased turnout of pilgrims, it is largely felt the total pilgrim turnout could record new high of 80-85 lakhs this season.
The pilgrims in number of cases taking route from Ganga ghats at Sultanganj other than the main route where people counting machine has been installed, the actual turnout as per locals is much more than recorded turnout.
Quite a large number of pilgrims also commencing Kanwar Yatra fetching holy water of river Ganga from ghats at Bhagalpur and taking an alternative route to reach Baidyanathdham, corroborates the view regarding actual turnout of pilgrims being much higher than the recorded number.
The huge turnout of pilgrims despite by and large uncongenial weather condition in current month suggests sultry weather condition failed to dampen spirit of pilgrims.
The areas of Bhagalpur, Banka and Munger region in Bihar beside Deoghar district of Jharkhand through which the pilgrim route passes had been witnessing sharp spike in day temperature with weather condition remining dry in absence of adequate rainfall.
The sultry weather condition failing to deter spirit of pilgrims, surge of saffron clad Kanwar Yatris could be seen in entire route leading to Deoghar from Sultanganj.
The state of Bihar had received 40% less rainfall in monsoon months this season, speaks volume about weather condition being grossly uncongenial for long distance bare footed trek so far Kanwar Yatra is concerned.
As per available information from Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, in months of monsoon this season so far Bihar has received 272.5mm less rainfall.
The Bhagalpur region of Bihar through where sizeable portion of pilgrim route passes experienced 39.81% less than normal rainfall in month of June. In month of July compared to normal rainfall the recorded rainfall deficit was 21.35% in Bhagalpur region.
The current month of August when pilgrims undertake Kanwar Yatra the Bhagalpur region has so far experienced rainfall 49.01% less than normal.
It is largely felt long distance trek has become comparatively easy compared to past with better facilities now available in pilgrim route passing through Bihar and Jharkhand. This is the reason pilgrim turnout this season has remained more than expected despite adverse weather condition, it is stated.
Construction of Kaccha Kanwaria Path (read unpaved road made of soil) few years back in Bihar from Sultanganj to borders of Deoghar district in Jharkhand has considerably reduced inconvenience of undertaking bare foot trek on paved road.
Better health and accommodation facilities beside improved sanitary arrangements in pilgrim route including Sultanganj has helped ensure hassle free pilgrimage for people.
About the Author
Avijit Biswas is a former reporter with the Hindustan Times, Patna Edition, based in Bhagalpur. He has more than 25 years of experience covering politics and other key beats across eastern Bihar. Known for his in-depth ground reporting and strong grasp of regional issues, Biswas has closely followed political developments and social trends in the region, earning credibility for accurate and balanced journalism. Avijt may be contacted at biswasavijit@yahoo.com
About the Author
