Set Off for Baba Baidyanath Dham Carrying a 90-Kg Kanwar; Become Center of Attraction on Kanwaria Path
Sultanganj/Deoghar (Our Correspondent): On this sacred occasion of the worship of Mahadeva, the Lord of Lords, and the holy Shravani Mela, a panoramic scene unfolded on the banks of the Uttarahini Ganga in Sultanganj, Bihar, that filled millions of devotees arriving from all over the country with wonder and reverence. A large and disciplined group of 25 Shiva devotees arriving from Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, has currently become the primary center of discussion along the Kanwaria path from Sultanganj to Deoghar. This group is not undertaking an ordinary journey; rather, the pinnacle of their devotion and resolve is such that they have set out on an arduous and long foot journey to Baba Baidyanath Dham carrying a massive kanwar weighing approximately 90 kilograms on their shoulders. All the kanwarias are jointly and alternately managing this heavy and sacred kanwar, drawing long lines of devotees on both sides of the road eager to catch a glimpse.
A Journey of Faith from Kolkata to Sultanganj
In Sanatan culture, the kanwar pilgrimage is considered the most difficult penance, but these 25 Shiva devotees from Kolkata have turned this journey into an exemplary feat through their unbroken dedication:
Special Preparation from Kolkata: Hailing from various parts of Kolkata, these Shiva devotees had planned this grand kanwar pilgrimage months in advance due to their deep faith in Baba Bholenath and the Mother Goddess. They arrived in Sultanganj via vehicle, bringing along this specially decorated, 90-kg religious kanwar.
Vow and Jalbhari on the Banks of the Ganga: Arriving at the historic banks of the Uttarahini Ganga in Sultanganj on Thursday, these 25 devotees performed ritualistic worship of Maa Ganga with proper rites. Thereafter, they filled sacred Ganges water into their vessels, lifted the heavy 90-kg kanwar onto their shoulders, and commenced their foot march amidst chants hailing Baba Baidyanath.
The 90-Kg Kanwar and Wondrous Coordination of 25 Devotees
Carrying such a heavy kanwar to cover miles of travel is no ordinary task for human endurance; it requires immense physical strength and mental fortitude:
An Example of Cooperation and Harmony: The 25 members of the group have shared the responsibility of lifting this 90-kg weight among themselves. When one group of kanwarias grows tired, other members immediately take their place to shoulder the kanwar. This mutual coordination and cooperation reflect their unbreakable unity.
Discipline Imbued with Devotion: This entire group from Kolkata is moving forward bound by strict discipline. There is no trace of fatigue on their faces from the long trek and heavy weight; instead, radiating an distinct glow and energy, these devotees are immersed in the devotion of Bholenath. The entire Kanwaria path echoes with chants of "Har-Har Mahadev" and "Bol Bam" originating from their lips all along the way.
Became a Center of Curiosity and Reverence on the Kanwaria Path
When this 25-member group began its journey with the 90-kg kanwar on Thursday, it became the center of attraction along the entire route:
Crowds of Commuters and Shopkeepers: Other kanwarias and local villagers traveling along the 105-kilometer-long route from Sultanganj to Deoghar stop in their tracks to witness this grand and heavy kanwar. People are busy capturing this wondrous moment on their mobile phones.
Rush to Have Darshan and Pay Obeisance: Whenever this group halts at every resting place and camp along the route, long queues of devotees form to have darshan of and bow before this massive kanwar. People believe that walking while carrying such heavy weight on a kanwar is not ordinary human strength, but rather the embodiment of divine grace and true reverence.
In the Words of Devotees: "Weight Becomes Light by Baba's Grace"
Interacting with media and locals, members of the group shared their emotions:
Belief in Fulfillment of Wishes: The devotees stated that observing strict vows, they had resolved to reach Deoghar carrying this heavy kanwar on their shoulders and perform the abhishek of Baba Baidyanath.
Hardships and Fatigue Rendered Meaningful: They expressed that while 90 kilograms of weight sounds very heavy, when the kanwar rests on the shoulder and the name of Bholenath is on the lips, this weight feels as light as a straw. Blisters along the path and foot pain completely vanish before their devotion.
Administrative Vigilance and Security Arrangements
In view of the high attraction generated by this special group and the heavy crowds surging on the Kanwaria path, the administration is also on full alert:
Safe Transit: Local police and administration are ensuring that the group carrying this heavy kanwar faces no inconvenience. Police forces are maintaining continuous surveillance to control the crowds.
Health and Medical Assistance: Arrangements for water, glucose, fruits, and medical help have been made at various locations by the administration and various service camps for these kanwarias so they can complete their journey safely.
This foot march initiated by 25 Shiva devotees from Kolkata along the Kanwaria path in Sultanganj with a 90-kg kanwar serves as a living example of that unbreakable and immense faith of Indian Sanatan culture where even the most difficult goals pale before true reverence and collective unity. The dedication of these devotees is not only scripting history along this route from Sultanganj to Deoghar but has also become a massive source of inspiration for millions of other Shiva devotees.