Administrative Preparations Show Impact in World-Famous Shravani Mela; Heavy Crowds of Shiva Devotees Surge at Sultanganj's Namami Gange Ghat, Kanwarias Receiving High-Level Facilities
Bhagalpur/Sultanganj, Office Correspondent: The atmosphere of the world-famous Shravani Mela is at its peak along the holy Uttarvahini Ganga coast in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur district, often referred to as a land of divinity. The entire fairground has been dyed in the color of saffron due to the throngs of millions of Shiva devotees arriving from every corner of the country. As a result of robust arrangements made by the administration during this year's mela, kanwarias are not facing any form of inconvenience at the ghats. Particularly at the Namami Gange Ghat, the largest crowds of kanwarias are witnessed, where the administration has made unprecedented arrangements for bathing, collecting holy water, and performing rituals. Amidst modern facilities and foolproof security arrangements, Shiva devotees appear thoroughly satisfied and are proceeding toward Baba Dham amidst chants of "Bol Bom."
A Deluge of Faith Surging at Namami Gange Ghat
The Namami Gange Ghat in Sultanganj has become a primary center of attraction for kanwarias coming from all over the country due to its modern architecture and cleanliness:
Massive Influx of Devotees: As the holy month of Sawan progresses, the queue of Shiva devotees gathering to fetch water at the Namami Gange Ghat continues to swell. The situation is such that compared to other ghats, the highest number of kanwarias are arriving at the Namami Gange Ghat to commence their journey.
Safe and Seamless Water-Offering Arrangements: Strict security measures have been put in place from the steps down to the water level of the Ganga. Barricading is so robust and well-organized that despite the heavy crowds, no chaos or disorder is erupting. For the safety of kanwarias in deep water, NDRF, SDRF, and divers have been deployed round the clock.
Special Arrangements by Administration for Kanwarias' Convenience
The Bihar government, district administration, and tourism department are fully alert regarding this year's Shravani Mela, and its ground-level impact is clearly visible across the ghats:
Modern Locker Facility: Keeping in mind the safety and convenience of kanwarias near the Namami Gange Ghat and the main flight of steps (Main সিঁढ़ी Ghat), special modern locker facilities have been arranged. Here, kanwarias can safely store their expensive belongings, clothes, and mobile phones, allowing them to bathe in the Ganga and fetch water with complete peace of mind.
Drinking Water and Lighting Arrangements: Several water ATMs and tankers have been installed at the ghats for pure drinking water. Additionally, to ensure kanwarias face no inconvenience during the night, the entire Namami Gange Ghat is illuminated with high-capacity LED lights and floodlights.
Cleanliness Drive: Teams of special sanitation workers have been deployed in three shifts from the Namami Gange Ghat all along the kanwaria path, continuously collecting waste to keep the ghat thoroughly clean.
Health Services and Medical Camps
Robust arrangements have been made to provide immediate assistance should any kanwaria experience health issues before embarking on the long pedestrian journey:
24-Hour Active Medical Camp: A temporary medical camp has been established right near the Namami Gange Ghat, where doctors and paramedical staff remain alert.
Availability of Medicines and Ambulances: Along with fatigue relievers, pain balms, blisters treatment, and ORS packets, essential life-saving medicines are available in adequate quantities at the camp. Advanced life support system ambulances are also stationed at all times for emergency situations.
Shiva Devotees' Response: "Administrative Arrangements Have Made the Journey Easier"
Kanwarias hailing from various states across the country—such as Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra—have lavished unreserved praise on the arrangements at the Namami Gange Ghat:
Devotees' Experiences: A group of kanwarias from West Bengal shared that compared to previous years, the arrangements made by the administration in Sultanganj this time are exceptionally splendid. Not only is cleanliness exemplary at the Namami Gange Ghat, but the cooperative attitude of the police force is also commendable.
Sense of Security: Women kanwarias also expressed particular delight over the deployment of female police personnel and the availability of changing rooms. They stated that at no point did they feel any sense of insecurity or inconvenience
The massive crowds of kanwarias surging at Sultanganj's Namami Gange Ghat and the smoothly operated arrangements driven by administrative vigilance prove that the government and local administration are entirely dedicated to serving pilgrims. The fact that kanwarias are marching toward Baba Dham smiling and chanting "Bol Bom" without any inconvenience stands as a symbol that Shravani Mela is setting new benchmarks in grandeur and superior management.
