Shravani Mela 2026: Settlement of Sidhi Ghat and Jahaj Ghat in Sultanganj to be Conducted; Tender Process Begins

Shravani Mela 2026: Settlement of Sidhi Ghat and Jahaj Ghat in Sultanganj to be Conducted; Tender Process Begins

Bhagalpur: The district administration has intensified preparations for the smooth conduct of the world-famous Shravani Mela 2026. Considering the massive influx of pilgrims expected during the fair, which will run from July 30 to August 28, significant decisions have been made regarding the management of the Ganga ghats in Sultanganj. The administration has decided to undertake the settlement of the Sidhi Ghat and Jahaj Ghat in Sultanganj for the duration of the fair.

Key Features of the Settlement

According to the district administration, the auction (tendering) process for the management of these prominent ghats along the Ganga will begin soon. The key highlights are as follows:

Process and Dates: The public auction for the settlement of Sidhi Ghat, Jahaj Ghat, and various temporary vehicle parking stands in Sultanganj is scheduled for July 7 at the office of the Additional Collector.

Contingency Plan: If the auction process cannot be completed on July 7 for any reason, it will be conducted on July 9 or July 11.

Revenue Target: Officials estimate that the successful execution of this settlement process will generate approximately ₹17 lakh in revenue for the government treasury.

Arrangements for Safety and Convenience at the Ghats

Prioritizing the safety and convenience of the pilgrims, special arrangements are being made at the ghats:

Platform Setup: 90 platforms (chowki) will be installed at Sidhi Ghat, while 105 platforms will be set up at Jahaj Ghat and Namami Gange Ghat. To ensure pilgrim safety, these platforms will be placed 15 meters away from the banks of the Ganga.

Cleanliness and Beautification: A sanitation drive is being carried out on a war footing at the Namami Gange Ghat and other areas of the fair. To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the ghats, arrangements for 3D painting and improved lighting are being made.

Extensive Publicity: Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Dinesh Ram has instructed the concerned circle officers to conduct extensive publicity regarding these arrangements in bus stands, local markets, and fair areas so that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience.

Other Provisions

In addition to the ghat settlements, temporary lease arrangements are also being made for the Sultanganj block premises, Rasidpur Gandhighar, and various bus stands. The administration’s goal is to ensure that Kanwariyas have access to all modern facilities—such as tent cities, health camps, and clean drinking water—along their journey from Sultanganj to Dumma, all while maintaining a spiritual atmosphere.

This year, technologies such as drone shows, laser light shows, and Artificial Intelligence for better crowd management will be utilized in the fair area, making the event grander and safer compared to previous years.