Major Convenience for Kanwariyas in the World-Famous Shravani Mela; 'Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi' Opened at Kamray and Belari (Asarganj) Along with Namami Gange Ghat
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: This year's Shravani Mela is turning out to be uniquely special and convenient for Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) traveling to Deoghar. An unprecedented initiative has been undertaken through the district administration and Jeevika to provide high-quality, pure, and vegetarian food to pilgrims traveling along the Kanwariya path. In addition to the main Namami Gange Ghat in Sultanganj, 'Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi' has now been launched at the key Kanwariya route halting points of Kamray and Belari (Asarganj). With the establishment of this arrangement, Kanwariyas coming from far and wide can now easily get clean, home-style nutritious meals at affordable rates.
Special Initiative for Kanwariyas for the First Time in Shravani Mela
Millions of Kanwariyas embarking on their arduous foot journey from Ajgabinath Dham, Sultanganj, often faced difficulties regarding pure food and beverages along the route. Keeping this in mind, the administration has ensured excellent food arrangements within the fair zone this time:
Sattvic and Pure Food: Complete attention is being paid to the religious faith and health of Kanwariyas at 'Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi'. The food prepared here specially avoids garlic and onions and uses only rock salt (sendha namak), which is entirely compliant with the rules of fasting and the Kanwarya journey.
Fixed and Affordable Rates: Providing relief from the arbitrary food pricing found at hotels or dhabas, the rates for all food items at these Jeevika Didi kitchens have been fixed by the government and administration so that Kanwariyas from every strata can benefit from them.
Launch of Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi at Three Major Centers
According to the administrative plan, this facility has been made operational at three important locations in the Bhagalpur and surrounding Kanwariya region:
Namami Gange Ghat (Sultanganj): Set up near Namami Gange Ghat so that pilgrims can easily access meals immediately after taking a bath at the starting and most prominent transit point of the journey.
Kamray Chowk: Moving ahead from Sultanganj, massive crowds of Kanwariyas gather in the Kamray area. With 'Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi' now opening here alongside attractive Shiva tunnels and other attractions, travelers have secured a major resting and dining spot.
Belari (Asarganj): Dhandhi Belari (Asarganj area) is considered the first major and vital halting point for Kanwariyas after Sultanganj. With the opening of Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi here alongside cultural programs and drone shows, Kanwariyas exhausted from a long foot march will now be able to receive hot and fresh sattvic food.
Medium of Women Empowerment and Employment
This initiative is not limited solely to the convenience of Kanwariyas, but is also a major step toward the economic empowerment of rural women:
Operation by Jeevika Didis: All these kitchens are being operated by skilled 'Jeevika Didis' from rural areas, providing them with better employment opportunities.
Special Emphasis on Hygiene and Quality: Utmost priority is given to cleanliness, pure drinking water, and serving hot, fresh food during kitchen operations, which is continuously monitored by local administration and Jeevika officials.
The opening of 'Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi' at Kamray and Belari (Asarganj) alongside Namami Gange Ghat has brought immense relief to Shiva devotees visiting the Shravani Mela. This pro-people vision of the government and administration is not only making the Kanwariyas' journey smoother, but is also providing them with a healthy and safe environment.
