Grand Preparations Underway for Two-Day Shani Dev Jayanti Mahotsav at Bhagalpur's Ancient Shani Dev Temple; Special Abhishekam with 151 Kg Mustard Oil, Women's Kalash Yatra, and Bhandara on August 12
Bhagalpur, Office Correspondent: An atmosphere of religious and spiritual jubilation is visible across the city of Bhagalpur in Bihar. Preparations are in their final stages at the historical and ancient Shani Dev temples of the city for the upcoming Jayanti of Lord Shani Dev. The grand commencement of the Shani Dev Jayanti Mahotsav will take place with traditional rituals and scriptural procedures on August 11. During this two-day religious event, a special abhishekam of Lord Shani Dev will be performed using 151 kilograms of mustard oil to invoke his divine grace. Furthermore, tremendous enthusiasm has been observed among devotees regarding the grand palanquin and women's kalash yatra on August 11, followed by a massive bhandara scheduled for the next day, August 12.
Grand Abhishekam with 151 Kg Mustard Oil on August 11
According to information shared by the organizing committee and temple priests, this year's birth anniversary celebrations are being crafted to be exceptionally special and historic:
Early Morning Rituals: On the first day of the festival, August 11, the special abhishekam of Lord Shani Dev will commence around 5:00 AM. Dedicated to Lord Shani Devârevered as the deity of justiceâthis ritual will utilize a total of 151 kilograms of pure mustard oil.
Influx of Devotees: A large number of Shiva and Shani devotees from across the city and neighboring districts are expected to arrive during this rare and sacred ablution. Following the oil abhishekam, special worship, chanting of sacred mantras, and a grand maha aarti will be held within the temple premises, filling the entire atmosphere with deep devotion.
Grand Palanquin and 151 Women's Kalash Yatra
Another major highlight of this two-day festival will be the magnificent procession and kalash yatra winding through the city streets:
Palanquin Journey of Sacred Footwear: The sacred wooden sandals (charan paduka) of Lord Shani Dev will be beautifully adorned with fragrant flowers and carried out in a grand palanquin procession. This yatra will commence from the temple premises and pass through key city intersections such as Kotwali Chowk, Variety Chowk, and Station Chowk.
Participation of 151 Women: This religious procession will showcase a unique blend of discipline and tradition, featuring 151 women carrying sanctified water pots (kalash) on their heads. Beginning from the Gaushala premises at the scheduled time, the procession will wind its way through the town before concluding back at the temple. The air will reverberate with continuous chants of 'Jai Shani Dev' throughout the march.
Massive Bhandara and Night Vigil (Ratri Jagran) on August 12
Carrying forward the series of religious programs on the second day of the Jayanti festival (August 12), large-scale public arrangements have been outlined:
Organization of a Massive Bhandara: Members of the temple committee shared that a grand bhandara (community feast) will be organized starting around 7:30 PM on August 12 at the Devi Babu Dharamshala or designated grounds. Thousands of devotees are expected to gather and partake in the holy feast (mahaprasad).
Devotional Night Vigil: Alongside the bhandara, a magnificent night-long ratri jagran has been arranged within the temple complex. During this cultural and spiritual evening, renowned singers and devotional music troupes will present mesmerizing performances, allowing devotees to immerse themselves in devotional hymns all night long.
Sevadars and Organizing Committee Engaged in Preparations
Chief priests, volunteers, and local residents have rolled up their sleeves to ensure the grand success of this celebration:
Key Committee Members: A large team of male and female volunteers, alongside notable figures such as Sanjay Sharma, Prakash Sharma, Satyanarayan Shah, Kesarwani Samaj President Rajesh Ranjan Kesari, Sanjay Jaiswal, Rajesh Bhagat, Kailash Singh, Shambhu Mandal, Shankar Mandal, Deepak Sanand, Ganesh Sharma, Sanjeev Thakur, and Surendra Kumar, are working with utmost dedication.
Administrative and Security Arrangements: In view of the heavy expected turnout, special measures for traffic control and law and order are being coordinated by the local administration and organizing committee to ensure that attending devotees face no inconvenience.
The upcoming Shani Dev Jayanti Mahotsav in Bhagalpur on August 11 and 12 has emerged as a major center of attraction for city residents due to its grandeur, the historic abhishekam using 151 kg of oil, and the vibrant processions. This event not only deepens religious faith, but also strengthens communal harmony and cultural traditions.
