Patna: Around eight lakh devotees participated in the second Shahi Snan at the Rajgir Malmas Mela in Nalanda district on Sunday, according to administrative estimates.
Held on the occasion of Purnima, the event witnessed large crowds at Brahmakund, Guru Nanak Kund, Suryakund and other sacred hot water springs, where pilgrims gathered for ritual bathing and prayerceremonies.
Long Queues at Kunds and Temples
Devotees began arriving early in the morning, leading to long queues on routes leading to the kunds and temples.
Officials said queues stretched for nearly two kilometres between Jara Devi Temple and the kund complex, with pilgrims waiting for hours to enter the bathing areas.
Sadhus Lead Traditional Shahi Snan
The day’s rituals began with the ceremonial procession of sadhus, mahants and Naga ascetics from various akharas.
The groups proceeded through a designated red corridor to Brahmakund, where the traditional Shahi Snan was conducted amid Vedic chants, conch-shell blowing and religious rituals. Following the ceremonial bath, religious gatherings and prayers were held in the mela area.
Sadhus from Ayodhya and other religious centres across the country also participated in the rituals.
Pilgrims Gather in Large Numbers
After the completion of the Shahi Snan by the ascetics, the kund complex was opened to the general public.
Thousands of devotees then entered Brahmakund, Guru Nanak Kund and other bathing sites to perform ritual baths and offer prayers for the wellbeing, prosperity and health of their families.
Devotees Arrive from Multiple States
The Rajgir Malmas Mela attracted pilgrims not only from Bihar but also from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.
Religious leaders, including Antaryami Sharan Ji Maharaj and other saints, participated in bathing rituals and religious ceremonies alongside devotees.
According to local religious belief, bathing and worshipping at Rajgir’s sacred hot springs during the Malmas period is considered auspicious, particularly on Purnima.
Security and Public Facilities Strengthened
Authorities maintained heightened security arrangements throughout the event.
District Magistrate Kundan Kumar and Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni monitored the mela area, while police personnel, magistrates and volunteers were deployed at key locations, including the kund complex, temples and major approach roads.
The administration also arranged CCTV surveillance, health camps, drinking water facilities, sanitation services, a control room and emergency medical assistance for visitors.
Focus Shifts to Final Shahi Snan
The Rajgir Malmas Mela will continue until June 15.
Attention is now turning to the third and final Shahi Snan scheduled for June 11. The fair is set to conclude on June 15 with Amavasya bathing rituals, special religious ceremonies and the traditional immersion of deities.
