A Devotee Begins Arduous Journey to Deoghar Carrying His Daughter in a Basket After Fulfillment of a Vow; Pilgrims Arrive from Nepal and Bengal to Take Holy Dips
Sultanganj (Correspondent): During the world-famous Shravani Mela, the flow of Kanwarias proceeding from the holy banks of the Uttarvahini Ganga in Sultanganj, Bihar, toward Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar is at its peak. Every direction displays the unwavering devotion and unique faith of Shiva devotees during this sacred month of Shravan. A touching and extraordinary scene unfolded on Friday on the sacred soil of Ajgabinath Dham (Sultanganj), capturing everyone's attention. Following the fulfillment of a cherished vow, a devotee seated his young daughter in a traditional basket (daliya) alongside his kanwar to begin the difficult and lengthy foot pilgrimage to Deoghar. This sight proved that the greatest hardships pale before true dedication and unflinching trust in the Almighty.
A Unique Journey of Faith: Devotee Sets Out Carrying Daughter in a Basket
While the stories of devotees joining the streams of Kanwarias during the Shravani Mela are inspirational in their own right, what transpired in Sultanganj on Friday was exceptional:
Fulfillment of a Prayer: According to reports, the devotee had prayed to Lord Shiva for the fulfillment of a special personal wish. Demonstrating the firmness of his faith once his prayer was answered, he safely seated his beloved daughter in a traditional basket and commenced his kanwar pilgrimage.
Statement of the Devotee: Looking visibly emotional during his unique journey, the devotee told the media, "Baba Baidyanath is the ultimate benefactor. He listens to the call of every true devotee and fulfills all their desires. My prayer has been answered, so I am taking my daughter seated in a basket along with my family to pay obeisance at Baba's court."
Awe and Reverence Among Onlookers: Crowds gathered along the Ganga riverbank and all along the route to catch a glimpse of this family traveling in such a distinctive manner. Everyone praised the steadfast faith of this father.
Devotees from Nepal and Bengal Take Holy Dips in the Uttarvahini Ganga
Friday witnessed an influx of Shiva devotees at the Uttarvahini Ganga ghat in Sultanganj who had transcended not only local or state boundaries but international ones as well:
Pilgrims Arriving from Nepal: Batches of dozens of Kanwarias who traveled from various districts of Nepal plunged into the holy Ganges on Friday morning amidst chants of "Har-Har Mahadev." The Nepali devotees shared that this journey to Baba Baidyanath's court draws them back every year. Attire-clad pilgrims from Nepal filled holy water from the Ganges to initiate their journey.
Enthusiasm of Kanwarias from West Bengal: Additionally, thousands of Kanwarias arriving from neighboring West Bengal (such as Kolkata, Howrah, Bardhaman, and Bankura) performed rituals and worship at the riverbank. The Sultanganj region resonated with traditional Bengali folk songs and echoes of "Bam-Bam Bhole."
Chants of 'Bol-Bam' Resound from the Ganga Ghat to the Kanwar Path
The enthusiasm of devotees on the very first day—the water-filling phase—of the roughly 105-kilometer-long Kanwar pilgrimage from Sultanganj to Deoghar is a sight to behold:
The Entire Town Bathed in Saffron: Regardless of the scorching sun or rain, Kanwarias dressed in saffron attire continue marching toward their destination. Service camps established at regular intervals along the route provide arrangements for their food, lodging, and medical care.
Administrative Vigilance: Keeping the security and convenience of foreign and out-of-state pilgrims arriving from Nepal, Bengal, and other parts of the country in mind, the district administration and police force remain fully alert. Divers have been deployed at the ghats to prevent any untoward incidents during bathing rituals.
This unique story of a devotee embarking on a pilgrimage with his daughter seated in a basket during the Sultanganj Shravani Mela, alongside the heavy gathering of pilgrims from Nepal and Bengal, stands as proof that the glory of Baba Baidyanath extends far beyond national borders. This sacred mela is not only a grand festival of faith but also presents a living example of the nation's cultural diversity and unbreakable bonds. Scenes of this nature heighten the divinity and allure of the Shravani Mela, etching themselves indelibly into the hearts of devotees.
