‘Artificial Waterfalls’ Prove to Be a Boon for Kanwarias Battling Scorching Heat and Blazing Sun; Shiva Devotees Rejoice Amidst Cooling Sprays on the Sultanganj-Deoghar Route
Bhagalpur/Sultanganj, Office Correspondent: During the world-famous holy Shravani Mela, the entire kanwar route—stretching from the holy Uttarvahini Ganga coast in Sultanganj to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar—is currently echoing with chants of 'Bol Bam'. This year, the weather has turned exceptionally harsh. Scorching heat, high humidity, and a blazing sun radiating intense fire from the skies have made the arduous foot pilgrimage even more challenging for the kanwarias. In such a scenario, unique arrangements have been made by the administration and social organizations at various points to provide relief from this extreme heat. Specifically, the establishment of ‘Artificial Waterfalls’ and cooling water spray systems along the kanwar route are proving to be nothing short of a boon for the kanwarias. Stepping beneath these cascading waterfalls instantly washes away all the fatigue of the Shiva devotees.
A Grueling Test for Kanwarias Amidst Scorching Heat and Blazing Sun
During this holy month of Sawan, nature's disposition has turned particularly severe:
Solar Radiations and Humid Weather: As soon as morning breaks, the sun's rays begin radiating intense heat. By afternoon, the levels of temperature and humidity soar so high that walking on paved roads becomes an uphill battle for the kanwarias.
Blisters on Feet and Physical Exhaustion: Miles of walking, heavy kanwars borne on shoulders, and the blazing sun overhead frequently cause blisters on the kanwarias' feet and leave them vulnerable to dehydration. In such critical times, even a minor dose of coolness or relief revitalizes their steps, enabling them to march forward with renewed vigor.
A Unique Source of Relief: Artificial Waterfalls Along the Kanwar Route
Understanding this suffering of the pilgrims, service camps and local administrative authorities have collaborated this time to set up artificial waterfalls and showers at strategic intervals along the primary kanwar route originating from Sultanganj:
The Comfort of Cooling Sprays: Upon reaching these engineered waterfalls along the path, it feels as though one has found the shelter of a natural mountain spring. When the cold water droplets and sprays—cascading from height via pipelines and motors—drench the body and soul of the kanwarias, all their weariness vanishes.
Special Relief for Children, Women, and Elders: This pilgrimage is undertaken not only by energetic youths, but also by large numbers of women, senior citizens, and children. Amidst the blazing sun, these waterfalls act as a fresh source of energy for them. Standing amidst these water sprays, kanwarias joyfully dance before setting off on the next leg of their journey with renewed enthusiasm.
Commendable Initiatives by Service Camps and Locals
Various volunteer organizations, local committees, and the administration have played a vital role in keeping this system running seamlessly:
Spontaneous Spirit of Service: Setting up camps at frequent intervals along the kanwar route, organizers have arranged not just cold drinking water and refreshing beverages, but also these unique waterfall and shower setups to drench and refresh the kanwarias. Volunteers remain entirely devoted to welcoming and serving the pilgrims.
Medical Care and First Aid: Medical camps have been set up near the waterfalls, where immediate provisions of ORS, glucose, and first aid are administered to heat-affected or exhausted kanwarias.
In the Words of the Kanwarias: "Lord Shiva’s Grace and Cooling Sprays"
Shiva devotees arriving from distant states have effusively praised the arrangement of these waterfalls:
Devotees' Reactions: Kanwarias hailing from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal shared that the heat was overwhelming this time, making walking extremely difficult. However, when the sprays from these cool waterfalls suddenly cascade over their bodies along the route, it feels as though Lord Shiva Himself has arranged for cooling comfort to alleviate their hardships. This provides them with unprecedented stamina to conquer the remainder of their journey.
These artificial waterfalls set up for kanwarias amidst the scorching heat and blazing sun along the Sultanganj-Deoghar route are far more than mere water sprays—they stand as a vibrant testament to the spirit of service toward Shiva devotees and efforts to make their pilgrimage seamless. The cooling droplets and soothing sprays of these waterfalls impart the courage required to overcome every obstacle along the kanwar route, ensuring that the grand pilgrimage continues forward uninterrupted, brimming with devotion and enthusiasm.
