Kanwariyas Arrive from Bihar, Jharkhand, UP and Nepal; 70,000 Devotees Depart on Sunday Crowds Surge During Shravan Mela as Pilgrims Continue Their Journey from Sultanganj to Deoghar
Sultanganj : The number of Kanwariyas visiting Sultanganj continues to rise during the Shravan Mela. Large numbers of devotees are arriving from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal to collect holy Ganga water and offer it to Lord Baba Baidyanath. On Sunday, around 70,000 Kanwariyas reportedly collected Ganga water and departed for Deoghar. From early morning, large crowds of devotees were seen at Ajgaibinath Dham and along the Ganga ghats.
With the growing number of pilgrims, the administration and police have placed special emphasis on security and traffic management. Surveillance has been increased from the river ghats to the Kanwariya route, while service camps have also been established at several locations to assist devotees.
Devotees Take Holy Dip and Collect Ganga Water
A large number of Kanwariyas took a holy dip in the Ganga on Sunday and offered prayers at the Ajgaibinath Temple. They then filled their Kanwars with Ganga water and began their journey on foot towards Deoghar.
Devotees could be seen chanting “Bol Bam” and “Har Har Mahadev” as they proceeded towards their destination. The atmosphere along the Kanwariya route became deeply devotional, with pilgrims dressed in saffron attire. Many travelled in groups, while others began the journey with family members and friends.
Pilgrims Arriving from Other States and Nepal
The Shravan Mela has attracted large numbers of Kanwariyas from different districts of Bihar as well as neighbouring Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. The participation of devotees from Nepal also highlights the wider regional appeal of the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims travelling from distant areas first reach Sultanganj, collect holy Ganga water and then undertake an approximately 100-kilometre journey on foot to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar. During the journey, arrangements for drinking water, food, medical assistance and rest are being provided at several points.
Service Camps Assist Devotees
Various social organisations and voluntary groups have established service camps along the Kanwariya route. These camps are providing devotees with drinking water, refreshments, fruits, food and basic medical assistance.
Temporary resting facilities have also been arranged at several camps. Volunteers remain engaged in assisting pilgrims throughout the journey. Necessary measures are being taken to minimise difficulties caused by heat and humidity.
Security Arrangements Under Close Watch
With around 70,000 Kanwariyas departing in a single day, crowd management has become a major challenge for the administration. Police and administrative officials are maintaining continuous surveillance at the ghats, temple premises, main roads and along the Kanwariya route.
Barricades, route-management measures and deployment of security personnel have been arranged to regulate the crowds. Devotees have also been urged to follow administrative instructions and use designated routes during their journey.
Kanwariya Route Takes on a Festive Atmosphere
The heavy influx of pilgrims has brought increased activity and vibrancy to the Kanwariya route between Sultanganj and Deoghar. Chants of “Bol Bam” can be heard at various locations. Local shopkeepers and service-camp operators are also experiencing increased activity during the pilgrimage season.
The departure of around 70,000 devotees on Sunday reflects the continued enthusiasm surrounding the Shravan Mela. With the possibility of further increases in the number of Kanwariyas in the coming days, the administration is focusing on maintaining security, health, traffic and other arrangements.
