Unique Colors of Shiva Devotion in World-Famous Shravani Mela; Kanwaria Prem Kumar Das, Who Arrived in Sultanganj from Siliguri, Adopts Lord Shiva's Form for the First Time, Declares March Toward Baidyanath Dham with Damru, Trishul, and Ganga Jal
Bhagalpur/Sultanganj, Office Correspondent: As the month of Sawan arrives in India—often referred to as the land of divinity—the entire country becomes immersed in the devotion of Lord Bholenath. Commencing from the holy town of Sultanganj, nestled on the banks of the liberating Uttarvahini Ganga, the Kanwar Yatra is considered the most unique and historic pedestrian pilgrimage in the world. Shiva devotees from every corner of the country are arriving at this year's Shravani Mela with their unique expressions of faith. In this sequence, a special Shiva devotee, Prem Kumar Das, who reached Sultanganj from Siliguri in West Bengal, has currently become the center of attraction across the entire fair region. Making his very first pilgrimage to Baba Dham highly special, Prem Kumar Das has donned the living form of Lord Shiva. As he moves forward carrying a traditional damru and trishul in his hands and holy Ganga Jal on his back, everyone is mesmerized seeing his spirit of devotion.
A Long Journey Filled with Faith from Siliguri to Sultanganj
Spanning from the prominent northern West Bengal city of Siliguri to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand, this Kanwar Yatra is long and arduous in its own right, but an unwavering love for Shiva has made this distance feel effortless:
The Thrill of a First-Time Journey: Interacting with the media, Prem Kumar Das shared that this is the first opportunity in his life when he has set out on this sacred pilgrimage to Baba Dham. The enthusiasm and energy he felt regarding lifting the Kanwar for the very first time inspired him to adopt the form of Lord Shiva.
Family and Friends Immersed in Devotion: Other kanwarias accompanying him from Siliguri shared that Prem Kumar Das had been preparing for this journey for several weeks. His dedication toward Lord Shiva is such that he resolved to chant the glories of Shiva throughout the entire route.
Becoming the Center of Attraction by Donning Lord Shiva's Form
After collecting holy water from the Ajgabinath Dham in Sultanganj, when Prem Kumar Das set out in his Shiva avatar, crowds of onlookers immediately gathered:
Magnificent Adornment and Attire: He wears matted locks like Lord Shiva, rudraksha garlands around his neck, ash smeared on his body, and symbolic representations of traditional weapons. His right hand holds a damru and trishul, while his left hand is adorned with belpatra and worship materials.
The Burden of Ganga Jal on His Back and Supernatural Contentment on His Face: Laden with the holy water of the Uttarvahini Ganga on his back, whenever he raises the chant of "Bol Bom," the entire atmosphere transforms into a celebration of Shiva. Not a trace of fatigue from the long walk appears on his face; instead, a distinct kind of spiritual contentment and joy radiates from him.
"I Am Experiencing the Supernatural Joy of This Journey" – Prem Kumar Das
Sharing his experiences during the pilgrimage, Shiva devotee Prem Kumar Das expressed in an emotional and energetic tone:
"This is the most auspicious moment of my life. When I first decided to go to Baba Dham, the thought crossed my mind: why not undertake this journey in the very form of my supreme deity, Mahadev? The joy I have been receiving ever since I lifted the Ganga Jal from Sultanganj is indescribable in words. Along the route, everyone greets me by saying 'Bam Bam Bholenath,' which instantly melts away all my fatigue."
He further stated that it is solely by the grace of Lord Shiva that he is able to undertake such a long journey, and he firmly believes that Baba Baidyanath will surely accept this maiden pilgrimage of his.
Surging Devotion and Kanwaria Enthusiasm in Shravani Mela
Unique and dedicated journeys like that of Prem Kumar Das demonstrate that the Shravani Mela is not merely a religious ritual, but a grand congregation of Indian culture, art, and unshakeable faith:
Greetings from Passersby and Locals: Wherever Prem Kumar Das passes along the kanwar route stretching from Sultanganj to Deoghar, local villagers and fellow kanwarias fold their hands in reverence to greet him. Many people were seen eager to take selfies with him and seek his blessings.
Fair Administration Arrangements: Keeping in mind the security and facilities for the millions of devotees arriving at this season's Shravani Mela, the administration is also fully alert. Health camps, security forces, and assistance booths have been set up at various points so that remote Shiva devotees like Prem Kumar Das do not face any hardships.
The act of donning Lord Shiva's form and moving forward with a damru and trishul by Prem Kumar Das—who has arrived from Siliguri to Sultanganj to undertake his first-ever journey to Baba Dham—serves as a living testament to the immense power of true devotion. This journey of his is not only unforgettable for him personally, but has also become a major source of inspiration and energy for millions of other Shiva devotees participating in the Shravani Mela.
