Grand Inauguration of the World-Famous Shravani Mela; Chants of 'Bam-Bam Bhole' Resound Along the Kanwariya Pathway in Sultanganj, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary Inaugurates the Fair
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: With the arrival of the sacred month of Sawan, the historic town of Sultanganj (Ajgabinath Dham) in the Silk City of Bhagalpur has completely immersed itself in devotion to Lord Shiva. Administrative preparations for the world-famous Shravani Mela have reached their peak, and a sea of saffron-attired Shiva devotees has flooded the area, stretching from the banks of the north-flowing Ganga to the Kanwariya pathway. The formal inauguration of this grand and historic fair was performed on Tuesday by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. On this occasion, all arrangements related to law and order, sanitation, security, and amenities for kanwarias have been finalized, ensuring that pilgrims arriving from every corner of the country face no inconvenience.
Grand Inauguration Ceremony at Namami Gange Ghat
To mark the inauguration of the Shravani Mela, Sultanganj’s historic Namami Gange Ghat and the fairgrounds have been decorated like a bride. Arriving by helicopter in Sultanganj according to the scheduled program on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary formally inaugurated the fair. Local public representatives, senior administrative and police officials, alongside a large gathering of sadhus, saints, and devotees, were present during the event. The entire area echoed with chants of Har-Har Mahadev and Bol Bam during the inauguration ceremony. The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the arrangements made across the fairgrounds and issued explicit directives to officials that no laxity in the service and security of kanwarias would be tolerated.
A Massive Influx of Kanwarias to Collect Gangajal
Sultanganj is uniquely identified by its north-flowing Ganga River, where millions of Shiva devotees arrive from every corner of the country.
Holy Bath and Water Offering at the North-Flowing Ganga: After taking a dip in the north-flowing Ganga at Ajgabinath Dham, kanwarias fill sacred Gangajal into their holy kanwads. From here, they embark on a rigorous and devout trek of approximately 105 kilometers to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar and Basukinath in Jharkhand.
The Entire Route Bathed in Saffron: With the inauguration, the entire Sultanganj region and the Kanwariya pathway have been completely drenched in saffron hues. The enthusiasm and boundless energy of Dak Bam pilgrims and regular kanwarias arriving from afar have infused the atmosphere with pure devotion.
Foolproof Amenities and Construction of Tent Cities for Kanwarias
Unprecedented arrangements have been made for the comfort and convenience of kanwarias at this year's Shravani Mela by the Bihar government's departments of tourism and urban development:
Tent Cities and Rest Stops: Modern tent cities equipped with fans, coolers, cushioned bedding, drinking water, toilets, and robust lighting have been constructed for the overnight rest and accommodation of kanwarias all the way from Sultanganj to the Bihar-Jharkhand border (Dumma).
Health Services and Ambulances: Health camps and medical relief centers have been established at intervals of every few kilometers along the Kanwariya pathway, where specialist doctors, paramedical staff, and ambulances equipped with life-saving drugs will remain stationed round the clock.
Strict Lighting and Security Measures: Keeping kanwarias' security in mind, high-mast lights, CCTV cameras, and drones are actively monitoring the entire fairground and Kanwariya route. Police forces and security personnel have been deployed at every nook and cranny.
Cultural Programs and Modern Attractions
Several new initiatives have been introduced this year to make the fair even more engaging. Cultural programs have been organized on the opening evening, featuring performances of devotional Shiva hymns by renowned artists. Additionally, special laser shows and regular Ganga Mahaaratis have been arranged for the entertainment and attraction of devotees, serving as major highlights of this year's fair.
With the inauguration of the Shravani Mela by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, the sacred regions of Silk City Bhagalpur and Sultanganj have become completely absorbed in the worship of Lord Shiva. Driven by administrative vigilance, the expansion of modern facilities, and the unwavering faith of the kanwarias, it is anticipated that this year's Shravani Mela will break all previous records, concluding in a deeply secure, divine, and magnificent manner.
