Patna: Bihar Department of Tourism has directed officials to complete all preparations for the Shravani Mela well before its commencement on July 30, with an emphasis on providing safe, clean, and accessible facilities for Kanwariyas throughout the pilgrimage route.
The review meeting was chaired by Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh at the Main Secretariat on Friday. Senior officials from the Tourism Department, the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, Jeevika, and district administrations of Bhagalpur, Munger and Banka participated in the meeting, with district officials joining through video conferencing.
Focus on Pilgrim Safety and Basic Services
During the meeting, Singh instructed officials to ensure high standards of cleanliness and adequate lighting across the fair area. He also directed the installation of signboards displaying important emergency contact numbers along the Kanwariya route.
Officials were asked to complete sand-laying work on the pilgrimage path in time and ensure regular police patrolling to maintain security. Special barricading near the Ganga Ghat was also ordered to improve crowd management and enhance the safety of devotees.
Tent Cities to Provide Accommodation
To accommodate pilgrims during the month-long event, the Tourism Department will establish Tent Cities at multiple locations along the Kanwariya route.
According to the department, these temporary facilities will include bathrooms, toilets, safe drinking water, uninterrupted electricity, Kanwar stands, information kiosks and entertainment facilities. Community kitchens operated under the Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi initiative will provide clean and wholesome food to pilgrims.
The Tourism Secretary instructed Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Nandkishore to ensure continuous cleanliness and regular monitoring of the Tent Cities. Jeevika CEO Himanshu Sharma was directed to ensure hygienic food services and display food rate charts at all community kitchens.
Cultural Programmes Planned
The Tourism Department has also planned cultural attractions during the Shravani Mela.
Officials informed the meeting that the inauguration at Sultanganj will feature a drone show and a laser show near Baba Ajgaibinath Temple. National-level artists will perform during both the opening and closing ceremonies of the fair.
Decorative Arrangements Along the Route
Officials briefed the Tourism Secretary on preparations from Ajgaibinath Temple in Sultanganj to Dumma on the Bihar border. The route will include grand entrance gates, decorative lighting and themed installations, along with the broadcast of Shiva mantras to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
The meeting was attended by Nandkishore, Managing Director of the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation; Udayan Mishra, Director of Tourism-cum-Special Secretary; Himanshu Sharma, CEO of Jeevika; Pradeep Singh, Joint Secretary; Chandan Chauhan, General Manager of the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation; and other departmental officials.
