Pioneer News Service
Dumka
More than 1.5 lakh devotees thronged the sacred Basukinath temple on Monday to offer water to Lord Shiva on the second Somwari of the Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026.
According to the district administration, 1,52,893 devotees had offered prayers by 5 pm on the 12th day of the month-long mela. The figure included 2,717 pilgrims who availed themselves of the Sighra Darshanam facility and 1,187 Dakh Kanwariyas.
Deputy Commissioner Abhijit Sinha personally monitored arrangements, inspecting security, crowd management, medical facilities and pilgrim amenities. From the central control room, he used live CCTV feeds to monitor crowd movement and directed officials to maintain strict vigil at entry points and prevent bulky baggage inside the temple premises.
Special Jalarpan counters with live LED screening helped elderly devotees and families with children avoid prolonged queues while participating in the worship.
The administration also maintained intensive sanitation arrangements, with workers deployed in shifts to keep the temple route, Shivganga complex and temporary camps clean despite the heavy footfall.
The day’s religious activity generated significant revenue, with Sighra Darshanam earning Rs 13.58 lakh, while the temple donation box received Rs 1.54 lakh. Auxiliary sources contributed another Rs 13,269.
