Arduous Journey for Kanwariyas: Journey to Baba Garibnath Temple in Muzaffarpur Becomes a Challenge; Broken Roads and Scorching Sun Increase Hardships
On this auspicious occasion of the holy month of Sawan, while the entire atmosphere is immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva, the hardships of the Kanwariyas visiting Baba Garibnath Dham in Muzaffarpur show no signs of easing. Despite tall claims by the district administration, the journey of Kanwariyas to the Baba Garibnath Temple is proving to be extremely difficult and painful. Due to the scorching sun and broken roads along the path, Shiva devotees are facing immense troubles.
Expressing their anger against the administration, a group of Kanwariyas from Bithouli village in the Vaishali district has made a strong demand for the district administration to intervene immediately and clear the gravel and sharp stones from the roads.
A Journey Full of Hardships: Intense Heat and Dilapidated Roads
With the onset of Sawan, main routes leading toward Muzaffarpur are packed with streams of Kanwariyas. Thousands of devotees are moving forward barefoot while chanting 'Bol Bam'. However, this year's journey has proven to be much more painful compared to previous years:
Scorching Heat and Blistering Sun: Fire raining from the sky and humid weather have begun testing the endurance of the Kanwariyas. Walking during the day has become even more difficult.
Broken and Dilapidated Roads: At many places, roads are completely uneven and damaged. Large potholes have formed in the middle of the roads, making it extremely dangerous for barefoot Kanwariyas to walk.
Sharp Gravel and Stones: Due to a lack of road repairs or ongoing construction work, scattered gravel and sharp stones are piercing the feet of Kanwariyas, causing blisters and injuring many.
The Plight of the Group from Bithouli Village, Vaishali
When a large group of Kanwariyas from the renowned Bithouli village in Vaishali entered the borders of Muzaffarpur and headed toward the Baba Garibnath Temple, they faced severe hardships. Members of the group expressed their grave concerns to the media and local administration.
Sharing their pain, a member of the group said, "We have traveled hundreds of kilometers to offer water to Baba Garibnath. Our physical pain matters little compared to our devotion, but the dilapidated roads left behind by the administration have become a curse for us. The sharp gravel scattered along the way is lacerating our feet."
The members of the group have specifically demanded from the district administration that:
Gravel and Stones Must Be Cleared: Debris and construction material fragments scattered across the Kanwariya route should be cleaned up immediately.
Water Sprinkling on Roads: Due to the scorching sun and hot asphalt (roads), the feet of Kanwariyas are burning; therefore, water should be sprinkled regularly on the main routes.
Medical Camps: Medical camps should be set up at short intervals providing free first aid and dressing for the injured feet of Kanwariyas.
Questions Raised on Administrative Arrangements
Every year during the month of Sawan, millions of Kanwariyas arrive to offer water at Muzaffarpur's historic Baba Garibnath Temple. While tall claims are made every year by the district administration that the Kanwariya route will be made accessible and safe, the reality on the ground appears quite the opposite.
Eyewash in the Name of Repairs: Devotees allege that roads are not maintained properly right before the festival, causing last-minute patchwork to wash away or break down due to rain and heavy traffic.
Lack of Drinking Water and Rest Areas: The lack of adequate drinking water and shade on many rural and connecting routes used by Kanwariyas further increases their difficulties.
Initiative by Locals and Volunteers
Amidst administrative shortcomings, local residents and various volunteer organizations of Muzaffarpur have stepped forward to help the Kanwariyas. Service camps have been set up at multiple locations where Kanwariyas are being provided with lemon water, ORS solution, fruits, and first aid. Local youths are also trying to clear sharp gravel from the roads with their own hands so that no Shiva devotee gets hurt.
The devotion and unwavering faith of these Shiva devotees who have arrived at the doorstep of Baba Garibnath are greater than any obstacle. Blisters on their feet and the scorching sun cannot stop their steps. However, the demand raised by the group from Bithouli village in Vaishali is entirely justified.
It remains to be seen how quickly the district administration takes this warning and the suffering of the Kanwariyas seriously. If roads are not cleaned and safety arrangements are not put in place in time, this arduous journey could become even more distressing for the devotees. Prompt administrative action is the only way to make the journey smooth for these devotees.
