Unprecedented Surge in Devotion During Shravani Mela Rapid Rise in the Number of 'Dak Bums' and 'Dandi Bums' Alongside Regular Pilgrims; Surging Enthusiasm Among Youth
Bhagalpur (Special Correspondent): During the world-famous Shravani Mela, a colossal ocean of Shiva devotees converges every year upon the northbound banks of the Ganges at the historic town of Sultanganj in Bhagalpur. This year's pilgrimage is witnessing a uniquely spiritual and striking trend. Alongside the massive crowds of traditional pilgrims (bums) drawing holy water, a record-breaking increase is being recorded in the numbers of Dak Bums and Dandi Bums. The growing attraction toward these particularly grueling routes characterized by rigorous austerity and strict discipline—especially among the younger demographic—has emerged as the central highlight of this year's mela.
What Are the Unique Characteristics of Dak Bum and Dandi Bum Journeys?
The kanwar pilgrimage features several variants, among which the journeys of Dak Bums and Dandi Bums are regarded as the most demanding and supreme forms of penance:
The Rigorous and Fast-Paced Dak Bum Journey: After collecting holy water from Sultanganj, Dak Bum pilgrims cover a distance of approximately 100 kilometers to offer water to Baba Baidyanath in Deoghar within 24 to 30 hours, moving continuously without stopping to rest. They are not permitted to halt along the route.
Dandi Bums of Extraordinary Endurance: On the other hand, Dandi Bums complete the entire journey from Sultanganj to Babadham by prostrating repeatedly—lying down flat on the ground and making obeisance step by step. Devotees of all age groups participate in this intensely demanding physical and spiritual discipline.
Rapidly Rising Craze Among Youth to Become Dak Bums
Looking at this year's pilgrimage statistics and local trends, a tremendous surge has been observed in the tendency of young people undertaking the journey as Dak Bums:
Belief in Swift Fulfillment of Prayers: Youth believe that offering water to Mahadev with intense physical exertion, absolute discipline, and within a very short span of time brings the deity's blessings most rapidly.
Growing Confidence and Vigor: Young men and women arriving from various states across the country are securing their dak parchi (identification certificates) with immense enthusiasm, accepting this formidable challenge. An exceptional increase has also been registered in the number of female Dak Bums.
Administrative Preparations and the Role of Service Camps
In view of this continuous rise in the numbers of Dak Bums and Dandi Bums, special arrangements have been implemented by the administration and voluntary organizations:
Control Rooms and Security: Registration of Dak Bums is being conducted hourly and on a daily basis by the Sultanganj administration. Robust security measures have been put in place along the kanwar pathway to ensure these specialized pilgrims face no hindrances while running or advancing.
Health and Rest Camps: Since Dak and Dandi Bums remain in constant motion, specialized service camps have been established at regular intervals along the route by social organizations to provide foot massages, ORS, warm water, and primary medical care.
This steady increase in the number of Dak Bums and Dandi Bums alongside regular pilgrims along the route from Sultanganj to Baba Baidyanath Dham stands as a powerful symbol of unshakeable faith and profound devotion toward Sanatani culture. Amidst the rush and bustle of the modern era, the younger generation choosing this arduous spiritual path proves that this stream of faith continues to grow stronger and more vibrant with time.
