Raghubar Das Reviews Preparations Ahead of Third Somwar on August 17
Key Points:
- Sidgora Surya Mandir Committee to lead jalabhishek yatra on Aug 17
- Former CM Raghubar Das reviews route, security and cleanliness plans
- Gangajal from Sultanganj to be used for the collective jalabhishek
JAMSHEDPUR – Preparations are in full swing for a grand collective jalabhishek yatra to be organised by the Surya Mandir Committee of Sidgora on the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan, falling on August 17. The committee has been working intensively to ensure the event is a grand success.
An important meeting of the temple committee was held on Tuesday at the Surya Mandir premises in Sidgora. The gathering was chaired by committee president Bhupendra Singh and was attended by former chief minister Raghubar Das, who serves as the temple committee’s chief patron.
During the meeting, Das reviewed preparations in detail, seeking updates from office-bearers on the yatra route, devotee participation, jalabhishek arrangements, security, cleanliness, devotional programmes, barricading and traffic management. He also issued necessary directions to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Das appealed to devotees to gather at Baridih’s Hari Mandir ground at 7 am on Monday, August 17. From there, all Shiva devotees will proceed together in a procession toward the Sidgora Suryadham Shivalaya.
Committee president Singh said devotional songs, music and attractive tableaux would mark the entire route, alongside visible enthusiasm among Shiva devotees. The committee has made special arrangements to bring sacred Ganga water from the Uttarvahini Ganga at Sultanganj for the jalabhishek of Lord Bholenath. Devotees will use this holy water for the ritual, which organisers said would offer worshippers a spiritual experience similar to that of Baba Dham.
General secretary Akhilesh Choudhary said a grand Maha Aarti, modelled on the Ganga ghats of Kashi, would be held on the evening of the third Somwar. A 15-member trained troupe from Banaras is scheduled to arrive at Sidgora Suryadham for the special ceremony at 6:30 pm on August 17.
The event follows a pattern of similar large gatherings in Jamshedpur during Sawan, including jalabhishek processions at Sahashra Ghat and in Sonari earlier this season. Devotees from the city have also taken part in a free Kanwar yatra to Sultanganj organised by a separate seva sangh.
