Shatrughn Prasad
Deoghar
The world-famous Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026 was formally inaugurated on Wednesday with Vedic rituals at the Dumma Kanwariya Path on the Jharkhand border, marking the beginning of month-long preparations for one of the country’s largest religious gatherings. The fair will be held from July 30 to August 28, with authorities promising enhanced safety, technology-driven services and improved facilities for millions of pilgrims expected to visit Baba Baidyanath Dham.
The inauguration was jointly performed by Urban Development, Higher & Technical Education and Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Deepika Pandey Singh. Eleven Vedic priests conducted the ceremonial worship of Lord Baidyanath to formally commence the annual pilgrimage.
Addressing the gathering, Sudivya Kumar welcomed devotees arriving from across India and abroad, saying that serving Kanwariyas during the holy month is equivalent to serving Lord Shiva. He said the state government and district administration have made unprecedented arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
Highlighting the technological initiatives introduced this year, the minister announced the deployment of an Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring and crowd management system across the mela area. A QR code-enabled grievance redressal system has also been installed at multiple locations, allowing devotees to register complaints instantly for prompt resolution. He said the government aims to make the historic fair more modern, efficient and pilgrim-friendly every year.
Minister Deepika Pandey Singh said Deoghar is fully prepared to welcome devotees in a grand manner. She appealed to officials, volunteers and local residents to work together for the successful conduct of the mela and ensure that every pilgrim leaves with a memorable experience.
Deputy Commissioner Saurabh Kumar Bhuwania said special emphasis has been placed on security, convenience and digital services. He informed that complaints submitted through QR codes, along with photographs, would be addressed within 15 minutes. For security, the administration has deployed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), face-recognition and headcount cameras across the mela area.
To enhance the pilgrims’ experience, a grand exhibition and cultural stage have been developed at the Shivalok Complex, while a drone show will also be organised during the fair.
Among those present were Deoghar MLA Suresh Paswan, Sarath MLA Uday Shankar Singh, Jarmundi MLA Devendra Kunwar, Superintendent of Police Praveen Pushkar, Municipal Commissioner Sulochana Meena and other senior officials, public representatives and members of the district administration. Deputy Development Commissioner Piyush Sinha delivered the vote of thanks.
