Grand Inauguration of the World-Famous Shravani Mela; Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary Flags Off the Event in Sultanganj, Featuring 'Jivika Didi Ki Rasoi' and Special Arrangements for Kanwarias for the First Time
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: The world-famous Shravani Mela, celebrated as the grandest festival of devotion and faith in Lord Shiva, has officially and magnificently commenced today. Amidst robust administrative arrangements suited to the dignity of the office, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary ceremoniously inaugurated the month-long fair at the sacred Namami Gange Ghat in the historic town of Sultanganj, Bhagalpur district, amidst Vedic chanting and the blowing of conch shells. Following the inauguration, the entire environment from Sultanganj to the path leading toward Baba Baidyanath Dham echoed with immense enthusiasm and chants of "Har Har Mahadev." This year, the government and district administration have put in place thorough provisions for the convenience, safety, and hygiene of the pilgrims, drawing widespread praise.
Grand Inauguration Ceremony at Namami Gange Ghat, Sultanganj
The Sultanganj region has been adorned like a bride for the inauguration of the Shravani Mela. Held on Tuesday, this grand opening ceremony was graced by the special presence of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary alongside several senior ministers of the Bihar government and public representatives.
Presence of Dignitaries: The event witnessed the attendance of both Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar, the minister-in-charge, local members of parliament, members of the legislative assembly, and numerous administrative officials. Stringent security arrangements were deployed to manage the Chief Minister's arrival.
Vow of Offering Holy Water from Ajgabinath Dham: Right alongside the inauguration, millions of kanwarias arriving from every corner of the country began taking sacred Ganges water from Ajgabinath Dham at the northward-flowing bank of the Ganges in Sultanganj, vowing to undertake their arduous foot pilgrimage (Bol Bam Kanwar Yatra).
Main Attraction of the Shravani Mela: Launch of 'Jivika Didi Ki Rasoi' for the First Time
The biggest and most unique feature of this year's Shravani Mela is the introduction of 'Jivika Didi Ki Rasoi' for kanwarias, which has received an overwhelming welcome from pilgrims right from its opening.
Entirely Sattvic and Pure Food: In the history of the mela, this marks the first occasion where kanwarias will receive hot, sattvic, and pure food through 'Jivika Didi Ki Rasoi' at subsidized and fixed rates along the route.
Exclusion of Garlic-Onion and Use of Rock Salt: Paying special attention to the religious beliefs and fasting/purity rules of the kanwarias, garlic and onion have been completely omitted from the meals. Furthermore, only rock salt (sendha namak) is being used so that Shiva devotees who are fasting or seeking pure nutrition can partake in meals without any hesitation.
Guarantee of Freshness and Hygiene: Strict directives have been issued by the administration that only freshly prepared food will be served in the kitchens. The use of stale food or ingredients is strictly prohibited, and leftover food must be immediately disposed of to ensure the health of the pilgrims is never compromised. Operated by rural women (Jivika Didis), this system is also providing them with employment and economic empowerment.
Special Arrangements Made This Time for Kanwarias' Convenience
To ensure that millions of visiting pilgrims face no inconvenience, several modern and innovative measures have been implemented within the mela zone this year:
Laying of Mats on Walkways: To provide relief to the bare feet of kanwarias walking under the blazing sun on hot sand or paved roads, special mats have been laid along the main Kanwariya pathway, enabling them to complete their journey with ease.
Mela Area Divided into 13 Sectors with Tight Security: For crowd control and maintaining law and order, the entire mela zone has been divided into 13 major sectors, with magistrates and police forces deployed in each sector. Additionally, continuous police patrolling has been arranged from evening until morning along the Sultanganj-to-Deoghar route to ensure nighttime security.
Modern Technology and Mobile App: To assist pilgrims, a special Shravani Mela Mobile App has been launched, providing easy access to information regarding routes, health camps, resting places, and vital emergency helplines.
The Shravani Mela 2026, inaugurated by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, is turning out to be historic due to its exceptional arrangements and pro-people welfare initiatives. The introduction of 'Jivika Didi Ki Rasoi' (serving sattvic food free of garlic-onion and prepared with rock salt) for kanwarias for the very first time has demonstrated the government's deep sensitivity. Backed by the administration's robust arrangements and these novel facilities, this year's Kanwar Yatra of Shiva devotees is widely expected to be safer, smoother, and deeply fulfilling.
