Heavy Crowd of Shiva Devotees Witnessed on the Second Monday of the World-Famous Shravani Mela in Jamalpur: Kanwarias Throng Toward Jamalpur and Surrounding Temples Carrying Gangajal from Sultanganj; Massive Crowds in Trains Force Passengers to Struggle
Jamalpur (Munger): The auspicious month of Shravan, a symbol of faith, devotion, and surrender, is underway. Across Bihar, particularly along the route leading to Baba Baidyanath's abode in Deoghar, the surroundings reverberate with chants of 'Bol Bam'. On the auspicious occasion of the Second Monday of the world-famous Shravani Mela, an unprecedented and heavy crowd of Shiva devotees (Kanwarias) was witnessed in the industrial town of Jamalpur in Munger district. Groups of Shiva devotees attired in saffron garments were visible everywhere, completely immersing the atmosphere in devotion to Lord Shiva.
Carrying sacred Gangajal filled from the holy Uttarvahini banks of the Ganges in Sultanganj, batches of Kanwarias arrived in Jamalpur and departed toward local shrines and distant temples for Jalabhishek. However, due to the heavy rush on trains and railway stations during this period, general passengers also had to face considerable hardships. Let us examine the complete and detailed account of this celebration of the second Monday of the Shravani Mela in Jamalpur, the enthusiasm of the Kanwarias, and administrative arrangements.
Enthusiasm of the Second Monday: Jamalpur and Environs Drenched in Saffron
Every day of the Shravan month is special for the worship of Lord Shiva, but the significance multiplies manifold on Mondays. Immense enthusiasm was witnessed among devotees to offer water to Lord Bholenath on the second Monday of Shravan.
Return Journey After Filling Water from Sultanganj: Lakhs of Kanwarias arrived at the Uttarvahini Ganga Ghat in Sultanganj, where they took a holy dip and filled water in their Kanwars. Subsequently, batches of Kanwarias reached Jamalpur via railway stations in Sultanganj and surrounding areas.
Atmosphere Resounding With 'Bol Bam' Chants: Chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bol Bam" echoed everywhere along Jamalpur railway station, the main market, and routes leading to the temples. Camps (Kanwaria service camps) were set up at various locations by social organizations to serve the Kanwarias, where food, beverages, and resting arrangements were provided.
Heavy Crowds in Trains and Passengers' Difficulties
During the Shravani Mela, passenger and express trains operating between Sultanganj and Jamalpur witness a heavy influx of travelers, a spectacle clearly visible on the occasion of the second Monday.
No Space to Even Stand: Passenger and express trains running on the Sultanganj-Jamalpur section witnessed such a rush of Kanwarias that there was hardly any space left to set foot inside the compartments. Many Kanwarias were even forced to travel on train footboards and roofs to complete their journeys.
General Passengers Forced to Wait: Due to the extraordinary crowding on trains, daily commuters and ordinary citizens traveling to other destinations faced severe difficulties. Many passengers had to wait for hours at railway stations to catch their trains or return without boarding. RPF personnel and security forces struggled hard to regulate the crowds at railway stations.
Crowds Surging at Temples, Echoes of Har Har Mahadev
Long queues for Jalabhishek formed from early Monday morning at famous shrines in and around Jamalpur, such as the Purana Bazar Shiva Temple, Badgam Shiva Temple, and temples in other rural areas.
Jalabhishek Commences at Dawn: Temple doors were thrown open as early as 3:00 to 4:00 AM. Women, men, and children stood in queues waiting for their turns. Kanwarias systematically performed Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva, offering bel leaves, datura, bhang, and milk while praying for happiness and prosperity.
Administrative and Security Arrangements: Observing the massive influx of devotees, local administration and police forces remained fully vigilant. Tight security arrangements were deployed around temples to avert any mismanagement and ensure peaceful worship.
Spirit of Service and Dedication: Camps Set Up Everywhere
A unique example of social harmony and the spirit of service was witnessed in Jamalpur on the second Monday of the Shravani Mela.
Free Service Camps: Youth organizations and voluntary bodies set up camps across various parts of the city to serve the Kanwarias. These camps provided foot massages, medicines for blisters, tea, fruits, and pure drinking water to the Kanwarias.
Devotional Cultural Ambiance: As batches of Shiva devotees moved forward dancing to the beats of DJs and drums, the entire city immersed itself in an ocean of devotion.
The massive crowd of Shiva devotees and their departure from Sultanganj carrying Gangajal toward shrines on the second Monday of the world-famous Shravani Mela in Jamalpur demonstrates the indomitable power of Sanatan faith. Although passengers experienced some inconvenience due to extreme train crowding, the zeal and fervor of Kanwarias immersed in Bholenath's devotion outweighed these hurdles. Conducted peacefully and with piety through the cooperation of the administration and voluntary organizations, this sacred festival further enriches the cultural heritage of Munger and Jamalpur.
