Chants of "Bam-Bam Bhole" Echo in Sultanganj; 54-Foot Grand Kanwar Brought from Patna City Becomes Center of Attraction, Kanwarias Take Holy Dip in Ganga and Take Water Vow
Special Correspondent, Sultanganj/Bhagalpur: With the auspicious arrival of the holy month of Shravan, the famous pilgrimage city of Sultanganj in North Bihar has completely immersed itself in the colors of devotion and Lord Shiva. The influx of batches of devotees, known as Kanwarias, heading towards Deoghar (Babanagar) is steadily increasing. In this sequence, on Wednesday, a sight unfolded on the sacred Uttaravahini Ganga ghat of Sultanganj that drew everyone's attention. An enthusiastic and dedicated batch of Kanwarias from the Patna City area of the capital Patna entered the sacred land of Sultanganj carrying a massive, approximately 54-foot-long Kanwar. A massive crowd of local residents and fellow devotees gathered to witness this wondrous and grand Kanwar.
Mahakumbh of Faith on the Ganga Ghat: Water Vow and Bath
During the Shravani Mela, taking a bath in the Uttaravahini Ganga and collecting water to offer to Baba Baidyanath holds special significance. Members of this contingent from Patna City first took a holy dip in the sacred waters of Mother Ganga and then took the formal water vow (Jal Sankalp) with utmost devotion:
Vows Amidst Chants: Amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns by priests and slogans of "Har-Har Gange" and "Om Namah Shivaya," the Kanwarias prayed for the successful completion of their arduous journey.
Salient Features of the 54-Foot Kanwar: This massive 54-foot Kanwar brought by the group was a fine example of modern artistry and traditional craftsmanship. It was beautifully decorated with colorful flowers, lights, and religious symbols. Carrying such a large and heavy Kanwar on one's shoulders is no ordinary task, but the unwavering faith and enthusiasm of these Shiva devotees made it possible.
An Unbroken 15-Year Tradition: This Arduous Journey Continues for Over a Decade and a Half
The greatest uniqueness of this special Kanwaria batch is that this is not their first time making such a journey; rather, the members of this group have been diligently undertaking this difficult foot march consecutively for the past 15 years:
Sadhana and Dedication: Key members of the group shared during interactions that every year during the month of Shravan for the past 15 years, they travel from Patna City to Sultanganj, fill Gangajal here, and begin their long foot pilgrimage to Babadham.
Arduous 4-Day Foot Journey: This group covers the distance of approximately 105 kilometers from Sultanganj to Deoghar (Baba Baidyanath Dham) entirely on foot. Typically, they complete this difficult route in just 4 days. Covering 105 km on foot with such a large Kanwar in this short duration stands as proof of their exceptional physical endurance and profound love for Lord Shiva.
Massive Crowds Flocking to the Fair and Administrative Preparations
Within the very first week of the Shravani Mela, a surge of devotees has flooded the area from Sultanganj all along the Kanwaria path:
Security and Administrative Arrangements: The district administration and police department are also fully alert regarding the fair. Robust security arrangements have been put in place at the Uttaravahini Ganga Ghat to ensure that visiting devotees face no inconvenience. Divers and NDRF teams have also been kept on standby.
Enthusiasm Among Locals: The arrival of this batch from Patna City generated special enthusiasm among local shopkeepers and the Punda community in Sultanganj. People welcomed the Kanwarias at various points and provided them with service.
This spectacle witnessed during the Shravani Mela in Sultanganj symbolizes the unbroken tradition and vibrant faith of Sanatana culture, where devotees forget all their hardships and remain completely absorbed in the devotion of Shiva. This 15-year-old tradition initiated by the Patna City Kanwaria batch with a 54-foot Kanwar will not only inspire future generations but also proves that before true devotion and firm resolve, even the greatest distances shrink away.
