Devotees to experience hassle free visit to Deoghar during Shravani Mela

Shatrughn Prasad

DEOGHAR

Ahead of the State Shravan Mela 2026, the Deoghar district administration has stepped up preparations to ensure a safe, hygienic and hassle-free experience for millions of pilgrims visiting the temple town during the annual pilgrimage season.

Chairing a high-level meeting at the Collectorate Auditorium, Deputy Commissioner Saurabh Kumar Bhuvania directed officials, traders, hotel owners and voluntary organisations to work in close coordination to ensure devotees do not face any inconvenience during the month-long mela.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, hotel associations, gas agencies, oil companies, food traders dealing in peda, chura and cardamom, and organisations providing free services to pilgrims.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed that food quality, hygiene and fair pricing would be strictly monitored. He warned that any trader found overcharging pilgrims or selling substandard food items would face stringent action. Vendors were also directed to display mandatory “use by” dates on food products, renew expired food licences and maintain cleanliness around their establishments with adequate dustbin facilities.

Bhuvania said hotels and gas agencies must adhere to safety norms while ensuring uninterrupted services during the mela. He also instructed that Shravan Mela guidebooklets published by the Public Relations Department be made available at all temporary and permanent camps.

To ease congestion during the pilgrimage, the administration has prepared a comprehensive traffic management plan, including separate routes for heavy vehicles and designated corridors for vehicles entering Deoghar from neighbouring districts.

Senior administrative, police and health officials also attended the meeting and reviewed arrangements for the smooth conduct of the annual religious event.