KUMAR PRABHAT
DUMKA
The historic town of Basukinath experienced a surge of spiritual fervor on the third Somwari of the State Shravani Mela 2026, as more than 1.81 lakh devotees converged to offer holy water at the revered shrine. By 5:00 PM on the nineteenth day of the fair, the district administration reported a disciplined and steady flow of pilgrims, facilitated by meticulous crowd management protocols and round-the-clock administrative oversight.
To maintain order amid the significant footfall, Dumka Deputy Commissioner Abhijit Sinha conducted a comprehensive on-site inspection of the fairgrounds, later shifting to the central control room to monitor real-time security via an extensive CCTV network. Focusing on the integrity of the argha (offering) system and queue management, the administration directed field magistrates and police units to remain at their assigned posts, ensuring that entry and exit routes remained fluid. Superintendent of Police Pitambar Singh Kherwar also led a rigorous security review across sensitive zones, coordinating with ground forces to prioritize pilgrim safety and provide prompt assistance to those in need.
A major focus of the day was the administration’s “Swachh Mela” initiative. To uphold hygiene standards despite the massive influx, specialized sanitation teams operated in rotating shifts across critical locations, including the Kanwariya path, the Shivganga ghats, and the various tent cities housing the pilgrims. These teams ensured continuous waste removal, while public announcements encouraged devotees to utilize designated disposal units, fostering a collaborative environment to maintain the sanctity of the temple premises.
The day also saw robust activity at the temple’s donation counters and specialized entry points. According to the District Public Relations Office, the Sheeghra Darshanam (priority entry) service saw 2,483 participants, contributing ₹12,41,500 to the day’s total intake. With an additional ₹1,44,670 collected from donation boxes (golak) and ₹16,170 from other sources, the total daily revenue reached ₹14,02,340. The successful management of the day’s heavy crowds reflects the district’s coordinated efforts to balance religious tradition with efficient civic infrastructure.
