SUBHASH MISHRA
Deoghar, July 12: The Deoghar district administration has imposed a complete ban on the sale of non-vegetarian items—including meat, fish, and eggs—within the Deoghar Municipal Corporation area and along the Sultanganj-Babadham Kawar path during the month-long Shrawani Mela.
The ban came into effect on July 11 and will remain in force until August 9. Deoghar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ravi Kumar issued the notification under Section 163 of the BNSS Act following the directive of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nayan Priyesh Lakra.
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Move Aimed at Preserving Sanctity for Pilgrims
Deputy Commissioner Lakra stated that the decision was taken to respect the sentiments of lakhs of devotees visiting Baba Baidyanath Dham during the holy month of Shrawan.
“Pilgrims from across the country and abroad come here daily to offer Gangajal and observe a strict vegetarian diet. The sale of non-veg items in the Mela zone could hurt religious sentiments and potentially lead to law and order issues,” he said.
Highlighting the cultural and religious significance of the Mela, the administration said the restriction was essential to preserve the sanctity of the event and uphold Deoghar’s long-standing traditions during the month-long pilgrimage.
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1.27 Lakh Devotees Offered Gangajal on Day One
On the opening day of the Shrawani Mela (July 11), a total of 1,27,598 devotees offered Gangajal to Baba Baidyanath, according to officials from the Deoghar administration. The ritual commenced at 4:30 am and continued until 9 pm.
Of the total, 89,684 devotees performed the ritual using the internal Argha, while 34,765 used the external Argha. An additional 3,149 devotees offered water through the Sighra Darshanam facility. The large turnout on the first day reflects the continued devotion and spiritual significance of the annual event.
