Continuous Massive Increase in the Number of Kanwarias; Shopkeepers Along the Kanwaria Path Make Special Arrangements for Lighting and Rest
Sultanganj/Deoghar (Correspondent): On this sacred occasion of the holy month of Shravan (Sawan), the Kanwaria path stretching from Sultanganj in Bihar to Deoghar in Jharkhand has been completely dyed in saffron. An unprecedented daily increase is being recorded in the number of Shiva devotees arriving from every corner of the country to pay their respects at the court of Baba Baidyanath. The speed and enthusiasm of the footsteps of kanwarias moving from the Uttarahini Ganga bank toward Deoghar are remarkable. Observing the unexpected crowds surging in the fair this time, local shopkeepers and business owners operating along the Kanwaria path have also pulled up their socks. Keeping the convenience and safety of the devotees in mind, shopkeepers have made outstanding lighting and special resting arrangements at their shops and resting spots, providing significant relief during this arduous journey of the kanwarias.
A Sea of Devotees Surging on the Kanwaria Path
Ever since the opening weeks of the Shravani Mela, the number of kanwarias has been continuously mounting. The situation is such that echoes of "Bol Bam" and "Har-Har Mahadev" resound on all sides along both the unpaved and paved Kanwaria roads of Sultanganj:
Daily Increase in Numbers: Vast numbers of Shiva devotees from various states across the country including Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, alongside Nepal and other nations, are arriving at Kahalgaon, Sultanganj, and Deoghar. Streams of kanwarias moving forward after taking a holy dip and filling water at the Ajgabinath Dham in Sultanganj continue from morning till late night.
The Entire Route Imbued with Devotion: Due to this massive crowd of kanwarias, the entire 105-kilometer-long Kanwaria path has come alive. Unwavering faith and enthusiasm toward Baba are clearly visible across children, the elderly, youth, and women alike.
Commendable Initiative by Shopkeepers: Path Illuminated with Light and Arrangements
To ensure that kanwarias face no inconvenience walking during the night amidst the heavy rush, shopkeepers, hotel operators, and local business owners situated along both sides of the Kanwaria path have jointly undertaken an exemplary initiative:
Bright Lighting at Shops: Operators of large and small shops, eateries, and tea stalls along the route have installed high-voltage LED lights, decorative string lights, and halogen lamps at their respective shops. Because of this, the Kanwaria path remains illuminated in a milky glow even during the night hours.
Relief from Dark Stretches: There were several segments of the Kanwaria path that remained dark at night due to forest departments or rural surroundings; however, owing to this lighting arrangement carried out by local shopkeepers through their private expenses, kanwarias are receiving immense relief during night treks. They are able to move forward safely without stumbling or encountering obstacles.
Special Arrangements for Rest and Halts
So that kanwarias face no trouble resting during the night hours or upon experiencing fatigue, shopkeepers and local residents have also put special arrangements in place:
Sheds and Pandal Setups in Front of Shops: Shopkeepers have set up temporary resting shelters (sheds) using tarpaulins and tents in open spaces in front of their shops. Proper arrangements for mattresses, mats, and seating have been made in these pandals, where exhausted traveling kanwarias can sit down for a brief respite.
Free Drinking Water and First Aid: Many shopkeepers have arranged for cold drinking water, glucose, and ORS solutions for kanwarias in front of their establishments. Furthermore, they are assisting on their own accord with basic ointments and bandages for foot blisters and pain, reflecting their deep warmth and empathy.
Traders' Perspective: Service is the Highest Form of Duty
Local shopkeepers state that for them, this is not merely a time for business, but the greatest opportunity to serve divine kanwarias:
In the Words of Shopkeepers: A prominent hotel operator along the route shared, "Baba's devotees are our guests. Serving them is our good fortune. We have specifically arranged lighting and seating at our shop so that mothers and sisters can pass comfortably during the night without facing any trouble."
Business Alongside Heartfelt Cooperation: Business owners also believe that this time the count of kanwarias is shattering records of past years, which has brought a healthy boost to their trade, yet the satisfaction derived from helping kanwarias far outweighs commercial gains.
Administrative Cooperation and Security Arrangements
To control the continuous escalation in crowds, the local district administrations (Banka, Bhagalpur, and Deoghar) also remain fully vigilant:
Deployment of Police Forces: Police forces, magistrates, and volunteers have been deployed at every nook and cranny of the Kanwaria path to ward off any potential stampede or untoward incident.
Surveillance via CCTV and Drones: Modern technology such as CCTV cameras and drones is being deployed to streamline security and traffic management. Medical camps are also being operated at multiple locations by the health department.
The continuous rise in the number of kanwarias along the Kanwaria path from Sultanganj to Deoghar, paired with the brilliant lighting and resting provisions established by local shopkeepers, proves how deeply ingrained the sentiments of hospitality and service are in Indian culture. On one hand, Shiva devotees are marching forward with rigorous penance and unwavering devotion, while on the other, the cooperation of shopkeepers renders this journey smoother and safer. This grandeur akin to a Mahakumbh has emerged as a living symbol of India's unity, love, and devotion, where everyone fulfills their role with utmost dedication.
