Ministers Expect Two to Three Lakh More Pilgrims Than Last Year
Key Points:
- Ministers, legislators and mayor attend formal inauguration in Deoghar
- Deepika Pandey Singh urges leaf and wood substitutes for plastic
- Suresh Paswan seeks restoration of Digaria Pahad for tourists
DEOGHAR – The month-long Shravani Mela was formally declared open in the temple town, with ministers appealing to residents to keep the fair free of plastic.
The inauguration was held on Wednesday. Officials of the district administration attended in strength.
Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu was present at the ceremony. Minister Deepika Pandey Singh also joined the programme.
Moreover, several legislators attended the opening. They included Suresh Paswan, Virendra Kunwar and Chunna Singh.
Mayor Ravi Raut was among those on the dais. Other office-bearers of the town were also present.
Paswan, who represents Deoghar in the assembly, spoke first. He said this year’s arrangements were the finest so far.
He praised the groundwork done by the district administration. The preparations made by the state government also drew his appreciation.
Besides that, he raised a request with the tourism minister. He said pilgrims who come here often visit other sites too.
He sought the restoration of Digaria Pahad in Deoghar. Worshippers could then take in the local tourist spots as well.
Such a step would also add to revenue, he said. The hill needed repair work for that purpose.
Meanwhile, Deepika Pandey Singh addressed the gathering next. She said a visit to Deoghar always leaves her with a good feeling.
The town is a religious centre, she said. That character shapes the experience of coming here.
In addition, she made an appeal to local residents. She asked them to adopt the no-plastic concept this year.
A clean Deoghar should be the aim through the fair, she said. Leaves and wooden articles could take the place of plastic.
Clearing the town after the fair would then be easier, she said. Waste left behind creates difficulty for cleaning staff.
On the other hand, she said the idea has backing at the top. Chief Minister Hemant Soren is also promoting the no-plastic drive, she said.
Similar plastic-free campaigns have been run in other parts of the state. They have targeted waste at public gatherings.
Sudivya Kumar Sonu spoke on the expected turnout. He said numbers should rise sharply this season.
An increase of two to three lakh pilgrims is anticipated over last year, he said. Arrangements have been made with that figure in mind.
However, he described the official role in modest terms. “The administration and the government are only a medium here,” he said.
The comfort of the lakhs who arrive rests on divine blessing, he added. Facilities alone do not account for it, he said.
The fair draws devotees through the month of Sawan each year. Large crowds have earlier been recorded at the Basukinath Dham mela as well.
The first Monday of Sawan usually brings the heaviest rush. Devotees carrying kanwars walk long stretches to reach the shrine, and Sawan aarti gatherings are held at temples elsewhere in Jharkhand through the month.
