General Kanwarias Complete Journey in 4 to 5 Days, While 'Daak Bam' Cover the 105-Kilometer Distance in Just 24 Hours
Sultanganj/Deoghar (Correspondent): During the sacred and holy month of Shravan (Sawan) dedicated to Mahadeva, the Lord of Lords, the Kanwaria path stretching from Sultanganj in Bihar to Deoghar in Jharkhand echoes entirely with chants of "Bol Bam." This approximately 105-kilometer foot pilgrimage, starting by lifting water from the Uttarahini Ganga bank and ending at Baba Baidyanath Dham, holds a distinct and unique spiritual significance. Devotees participating in this journey complete it in different ways based on their physical endurance and unwavering faith. Chief among these are the travel styles of the General Kanwaria (General Bam) and the Daak Kanwaria (Daak Bam), which remain major subjects of discussion. While general bams take 4 to 5 days to complete this journey at their own pace, strict-discipline and high-speed 'Daak Bams' create history by conquering this tough challenge within a mere 24 hours.
General Bam: A Blend of Devotion, Rest, and Ease
Most pilgrims traveling from Sultanganj to Deoghar are referred to as 'General Bams' or general kanwarias. Their style and tradition of travel have unique characteristics:
Duration of Journey (4 to 5 Days): After collecting Ganga water from Sultanganj, general bams set out for Deoghar entirely on foot. They proceed forward while resting at various halts along the route—such as Abrakha, Inaravaran, Katoria, Lakkridih, and Suiya Pahar. Typically, they take 4 to 5 days to cover this 105-kilometer distance.
Rules and Diet: These travelers rest at night in resting camps (dharamshalas or tents) according to their convenience, weather, and health. In the evening, they engage in bhajan-kirtan, partake in meals, and resume their journey the following morning.
Collective Joy: Groups of families, friends, and peers participate in this journey, dancing to Lord Shiva's bhajans along the way and boosting each other's morale. Ample time is available to mitigate physical fatigue.
Daak Bam: The Pinnacle of Faith, Speed, and Arduous Penance
In contrast, the journey of a 'Daak Bam' or 'Daak Kanwaria' is considered exceptionally difficult, thrilling, and a rigorous test of discipline:
A Journey of Just 24 Hours: The primary rule for Daak Bam kanwarias is that after lifting Ganga water from Sultanganj, they reach Deoghar and offer water to Baba Baidyanath within 24 hours while continuously running or walking at a fast pace. Time limits are extremely crucial for them.
Restriction on Stopping: The strictest rule of this journey is that Daak Bams do not rest or halt anywhere along the route. Even if they stand at a spot, their feet must continuously move or dance. They neither sleep at night nor waste prolonged time on meals.
Special Identification and Attire: Daak Bams generally wear white clothes, carry a special kanwar, and are accompanied by an assistant or group that takes care of their needs. Special identification cards (passes or cards) are issued to them by the administration so they can complete their journey on time.
Administrative Arrangements and Special Facilities
The administration remains fully prepared for the security and facilities of general and daak bams arriving in lakhs during the month of Shravan:
Special Passes and Route Checks for Daak Bams: After lifting water from Sultanganj, Daak Bams are registered. Special counters are set up at various transit points in the Banka district along the route to verify their documents, where permission cards (yellow or pink cards) are issued for the onward journey.
Priority in the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha): Since Daak Bams complete their journey through extremely rigorous spiritual practice and within a stipulated 24-hour time frame, upon reaching Deoghar, the temple administration facilitates their ritualistic abhishek with special convenience and priority.
The Kanwaria pilgrimage from Sultanganj to Deoghar is a unique test of physical and mental endurance. While 'General Bams' complete their journey in 4 to 5 days enjoying nature and faith according to their convenience, 'Daak Bams' conquer this challenge in just 24 hours backed by their indomitable willpower and unbreakable belief. Both styles possess their own distinct spiritual joy, but the sole objective remains the same—presenting oneself at the feet of Bholenath and attaining liberation.
