Historical 114th Kanwar Yatra of Padao Sangh for Basukinath Dham Flagged Off; Chants of 'Bol Bam' Echo in the Presence of MLAs and Public Representatives, Thousands of Shiva Devotees Join
Bhagalpur (Kahalgaon), Special Correspondent: On the auspicious occasion of the holy month of Shravan dedicated to Lord Shiva, the renowned historical 114th Kanwar Yatra of Padao Sangh, originating from Kahalgaon in the Bhagalpur district, commenced on Wednesday in an extremely grand and enthusiastic atmosphere. Since early morning, a massive wave of faith surged along Kahalgaon’s historic Uttaravahini Ganga ghat. Local MLAs, public representatives, leaders from various political parties, and around 3,000 Shiva-devotee Kanwarias participated in this famous foot-march. The entire region resonated with the thunderous chants of "Har-Har Mahadev" and "Bol Bam."
Ritualistic Water Vow and Worship at the Ganga Ghat
On Wednesday morning, the opening day of the yatra, thousands of devotees gathered at Kahalgaon's Raj Ghat and historic Ganga ghats to perform formal worship of Mother Ganga:
Filling Sacred Water and Taking Vows: Amidst Vedic hymns, the Kanwarias took holy dips in the Uttaravahini Ganga and filled sacred water into their individual Kanwars and large brass pitchers. Following this, they took solemn vows to safely reach Baba Basukinath Dham and perform Jalabhishek.
Grand Kanwars as Center of Attraction: The most striking feature of this yatra was its massive and artistic presentation. Dozens of traditional and modern decorated Kanwars—adorned with flowers, lights, and religious symbols—captivated every onlooker.
Special Presence of MLAs and Public Representatives
Several veteran public representatives and dignitaries of the region were present to flag off and encourage the participants of this historical and traditional 114th Kanwar Yatra:
Leaders Welcome the Kanwarias: Local MLAs, administrative officials, and prominent representatives of urban local bodies personally stepped forward to welcome the Kanwarias, walking alongside them for a short distance to boost their morale.
Coordination Between Public and Leaders: Public representatives remarked that this yatra by Padao Sangh is not merely a religious event, but a unique symbol of Kahalgaon and the surrounding area’s cultural unity, mutual brotherhood, and discipline, which has endured for generations.
Arduous Foot-March and Route Outline
Starting from Kahalgaon's Kila Durga Sthan and the Uttaravahini Ganga ghat, this contingent proceeded forward according to a fixed route:
First Staging Post and Rest Stops: This batch of Kanwarias is moving towards Basukinath Dham via Ghogha, Sanhaula, Panjwara, and Dhoraiya. Extensive arrangements have been made for night halts, food, and medical care for the devotees at various staging posts along the route.
Administrative Vigilance: The district administration remained fully alert to ensure the safety and smooth movement of the Kanwarias. Alongside the deployment of police personnel along the route, voluntary organizations have set up service camps at various points to distribute fruits, water, ORS, and tea to the Kanwarias.
This 114th Kanwar Yatra under the banner of Padao Sangh once again proves that people's faith in Sanatana culture and Lord Shiva remains unbreakable from generation to generation. With this collective participation of public representatives, youth, and elders, the yatra is heading toward historic success, and the enthusiasm of all the Kanwarias makes it clear that they will not rest until they offer their prayers at the court of Baba Basukinath.
