Shatrughn Prasad
Deoghar
More than 10 lakh Kanwariyas have offered holy water at the Baba Baidyanath Temple during the first week of the Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026, as the Deoghar district administration reported smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage backed by extensive security, medical and civic arrangements.
At a weekly media briefing on Thursday, officials said that between July 30 and August 5, a total of 10,05,885 devotees performed jalabhishek at the shrine. Of them, 23,130 pilgrims availed the Shighra Darshanam facility. The Baba Baidyanath Temple recorded a total income of ₹86.85 lakh during the period, with ₹72.28 lakh, nearly 60 per cent of the revenue, generated through Shighra Darshanam coupons.
To manage the massive influx of pilgrims, 597 magistrates and officers, 6,763 police personnel, four Superintendents of Police, three companies of the CRPF, and teams of the NDRF and SDRF have been deployed across the mela area. Security is being monitored through 925 CCTV cameras, 225 AI-enabled cameras and five drone cameras, while 21 temporary police outposts and 13 traffic outposts have been established. Police also reported the recovery of several lost mobile phones and the arrest of a few pickpockets during the week.
Healthcare arrangements include 35 temporary health centres, staffed by 111 doctors and 470 paramedical personnel, along with 40 ambulances and emergency vehicles. Officials said 33,224 pilgrims have received medical treatment so far.
Accommodation has been arranged at 77 locations, including three tent cities with a combined capacity of 2,750 beds and the Adhyatmik Bhavan, which can house 700 devotees. The administration’s online chatbot-based grievance system has received and resolved 65 complaints.
The Information and Public Relations Department said 34 information centres have registered 15,549 lost-and-found cases, with 10,242 pilgrims successfully reunited with their families. Cultural programmes, continuous Shivdhun, laser shows at Shivganga, VR experiences depicting the mythology of Baba Dham, and thematic exhibitions have emerged as major attractions, drawing thousands of visitors daily.
The Municipal Corporation reported revenue collections of ₹1.06 crore till August 5, while the Electricity Department earned ₹29.41 lakh from temporary connections and resolved 453 complaints. The Drinking Water and Sanitation Department has installed bathing ghats, toilets, water kiosks and hand pumps across the mela route to cater to pilgrims.
With three Mondays of the holy Shravan month still remaining, authorities expect a further surge in footfall and said all departments will continue to maintain round-the-clock vigilance to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of one of the country’s largest religious gatherings.
