SUBHASH MISHRA
Deoghar, July 15: A record 2.26 lakh Kanwariyas (devotees) offered sacred Gangajal to Baba Baidyanath on the first Somwari (Monday) of the Shrawani Mela 2025, on July 14.
According to senior officials of the Deoghar district administration, the gates of the Baba Baidyanath temple were opened at 4:12 AM to allow Kanwariyas to begin offering water.
Also Read- Supreme Court sets July 31 for review of ED powers upheld in 2022 verdict
The process continued peacefully until 9:30 PM. Of the total 2,26,264 devotees, 1,38,985 offered water through the internal Argha system, while 87,279 did so through the external Argha.
Due to the religious significance of the first Somwari, the line of devotees had extended to the Chamradih bridge by midnight. Entry for offerings began promptly at 4:12 AM.
“By the grace of Baba Baidyanath, the water offering on the first Somwari went off peacefully. Despite the huge turnout, no untoward incident was reported between 4:12 AM and 9:30 PM,” said a senior official.
Also Read- Vigorous monsoon to trigger heavy rain across Jharkhand
In anticipation of the heavy influx of devotees, Deputy Commissioner Naman Priyesh Lakra personally monitored the Kanwar route on a motorcycle throughout the night. Bike ambulances were also deployed along the route to provide timely medical assistance to pilgrims.
