Kumar Prabhat
Dumka
The month-long State Shravani Mela 2026 commenced on a grand spiritual note at Basukinath Dham on Wednesday, with Vedic rituals, sacred chants, and traditional ceremonies marking the beginning of one of Jharkhand’s largest annual religious gatherings. The temple town echoed with chants of Har Har Mahadev and Bol Bam as thousands of devotees gathered for the inauguration, while millions of pilgrims are expected to visit the shrine during the holy month of Shravan.
The ceremonial lamp-lighting was jointly performed by Jarmundi MLA Devendra Kunwar, Santhal Pargana Divisional Commissioner Sanjay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Abhijit Sinha, Superintendent of Police Pitambar Singh Kherwar, Deputy Development Commissioner Aniket Sachan, Trainee IFS officer Pushkar Kale, former Rajya Sabha MP Abhaykant Prasad, Zila Parishad Vice President Sudhir Mandal, and Nagar Panchayat Chairperson Veena Devi.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Devendra Kunwar described the Shravani Mela as more than a religious congregation, calling it a symbol of faith, service, dedication, and social harmony. He urged public representatives, local residents, volunteers, and officials to work collectively to provide a smooth and memorable pilgrimage experience while upholding the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava.
Divisional Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said the pilgrimage remains incomplete without offering holy water at Basukinath after visiting Baba Baidyanath in Deoghar. He directed all administrative and police personnel to perform their duties with dedication and remain at their posts until officially relieved.
Deputy Commissioner Abhijit Sinha said elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees. Around 3,000 police personnel and 700 magistrates have been deployed, supported by AI-enabled surveillance systems and an extensive CCTV network. Medical facilities include 150 doctors, 20 ambulances, Toto ambulances, and oxygen concentrators. A Tent City accommodating 5,000 pilgrims, 200 permanent toilets, parking for 20,000 vehicles, and a new year-round water filtration plant at Shivganga have also been established.
