Kanwarias from Kolkata Set Out with a Grand 120 kg Panchmukhi Hanuman Idol; Ashish Bam Says—'Our Contingent is Associated with Sheeshnath Hanuman Mandir Puja Committee', This Unique Yatra Becomes the Center of Attraction
Sultanganj/Bhagalpur (Special Correspondent): On the sacred and spiritual occasion of the holy Shravan month (Sawan) dedicated to Devon ke Dev Mahadev, new and wonderful dimensions are witnessing themselves daily in the Kanwaria yatras starting from the sacred banks of Uttar Vahini Ganga in Sultanganj, Bihar. In this sequence, a scene emerged on Thursday from the Sultanganj Kanwaria path that drew the attention of lakhs of devotees from across the country and local citizens present there. A specific contingent of Shiva devotees who arrived from West Bengal's capital, Kolkata, has made this season's Sawan yatra extremely special. This contingent has set out on the difficult and sacred foot pilgrimage to Deoghar (Baba Dham) carrying no ordinary kanwar, but rather a grand and massive Panchmukhi Hanuman idol weighing 120 kilograms decorated on their kanwar. To witness this unique and massive idol-bearing Kanwaria yatra, a huge crowd of devotees thronged from Sultanganj all along the Kanwaria path.
Shiva Devotees Arrive from Kolkata to Sultanganj and the Main Attraction of the Yatra
During this holy month of Sawan, contingents of Kanwarias are known for their unique displays of faith and devotion, but these Kanwarias from Kolkata have written history with this unique initiative of theirs:
120 kg Panchmukhi Hanuman Idol: The kanwar prepared by this contingent from Kolkata has at its center a very beautiful and grand idol of Sankatmochan Lord Hanuman in His Panchmukhi (five-faced) form, weighing approximately 120 kilograms. Lifting this massive idol on shoulders or carrying it via a specially designed chariot-like kanwar is no feat of ordinary physical strength, but rather a testament to the Kanwarias' unwavering resolve and profound devotion toward Bajrangbali.
Scramble Among Devotees to Catch a Glimpse: As soon as this kanwar bearing the massive Panchmukhi Hanuman idol took holy water from the main Ganga ghat of Sultanganj and moved forward, everyone present there had their eyes fixed upon it. People looked eager to capture this wondrous moment on their mobile phones and cameras. Throughout the way, the entire atmosphere resounded with chants of 'Jai Bajrangbali', 'Bajrangbali ki Jai', and 'Har-Har Mahadev'.
Ashish Bam Shares the Background of the Contingent: "Our Dedication is Associated with Sheeshnath Hanuman Mandir Puja Committee"
Leading this wonderful and grand yatra, prominent Kanwaria Ashish Bam shared the complete story and religious significance behind this yatra during a conversation with media personnel:
Association with Sheeshnath Hanuman Mandir Puja Committee: Ashish Bam proudly stated that this entire contingent of theirs is associated with Kolkata's renowned 'Sheeshnath Hanuman Mandir Puja Committee'. Like every year, members of their committee resolved to do something different and special this time as well, under which this 120 kg Panchmukhi Hanuman idol was brought from Calcutta to Sultanganj.
Resolve and Aspiration: Ashish Bam stated, "Lord Hanuman is the symbol of strength, devotion, and the reliever of distress (Sankatmochan). The aspiration of our committee and all Shiva devotees is that with the blessings of Baba Baidyanath in Deoghar and these accompanying Panchmukhi Hanuman Ji, peace, harmony, and prosperity prevail throughout the country and society, and religious and cultural consciousness is infused among the youth." He also mentioned that while carrying such a heavy idol on a yatra is physically challenging indeed, by the grace of Bajrangbali, every single member of their contingent is moving forward with full energy and enthusiasm.
Preparation and Logistics from Kolkata to Sultanganj
Bringing such a heavy and massive idol from Kolkata to Sultanganj and undertaking a foot journey from there to Deoghar was no easy task; the committee began preparations months in advance:
Construction of a Special Kanwar: To balance the 120 kg weight and securely undertake a foot journey of hundreds of kilometers, a special and sturdy kanwar framework was designed. To decorate it, an attractive combination of flowers and lights was created with the cooperation of local and Bengali artisans.
Discipline of Contingent Members: Dozens of young and elderly Kanwarias are included in this contingent from Kolkata. Everyone is attired in identical apparel (saffron garments) and they are moving forward in a queue with utmost discipline. The contingent has also made robust arrangements at its own level for their security and resting spots during the yatra.
Crowd Swarms the Kanwaria Path and Reactions of Local Residents
To witness the Panchmukhi Hanuman idol brought by these Kolkata Kanwarias, a massive crowd gathered from Sultanganj extending all along the onward Kanwaria route:
Welcome by Local Public and Shopkeepers: Local shopkeepers and residents standing on both sides of the Kanwaria path showered flower petals to welcome this unique contingent. People remarked that they had seen various types of kanwars in their lifetime, but a kanwar featuring a 120 kg Panchmukhi Hanuman idol was witnessed for the very first time, which is truly wondrous.
Boost in Enthusiasm Among Other Kanwarias: Witnessing this contingent doubled the enthusiasm of Kanwarias who arrived from other states as well. People were seen taking photographs alongside this contingent and raising slogans praising Bajrangbali.
This yatra, commenced from the sacred banks of Sultanganj by Kolkata Kanwarias carrying a 120 kg Panchmukhi Hanuman idol, has transformed into a unique confluence of faith, devotion, and labor during this holy festival of Sawan. This endeavor by Ashish Bam and members of his 'Sheeshnath Hanuman Mandir Puja Committee' not only demonstrates their religious allegiance but also proves that before true devotion, even the most difficult and daunting goals become easy. This historic Kanwaria yatra remains the center of discussion all along the Sultanganj-Deoghar route this Sawan season.
