Patna: Bihar Tourism Department held a detailed review meeting on Wednesday regarding preparations for Shravani Mela 2026, which will be organised from July 30 to August 28 along the Sultanganj–Dumma pilgrimage route.
The meeting was chaired by Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh and included senior officials along with district representatives from Bhagalpur, Munger and Banka, who joined through video conferencing.
Preparations and administrative directions
During the review, the Tourism Secretary directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements for Kanwariyas, including tent cities, sanitation facilities, drinking water, electricity, medical support, information kiosks and resting spaces along the route.
He instructed district administrations to prepare an action plan to ensure smooth execution of works before the commencement of the fair.
Officials were also asked to ensure coordinated implementation across all three districts covering the pilgrimage stretch from Baba Ajgaibinath Dham, Sultanganj, to Dumma at the Bihar border.
Pilgrimage route and thematic development
The department has planned to develop the entire Shravani Mela route with religious and cultural elements linked to Lord Shiva.
Plans include installation of grand gates, decorative lighting, thematic displays and devotional ambience along key points of the route, supported by continuous chanting of Shiva mantras.
Light and sound shows, fountain displays, laser shows and drone presentations are also proposed at major tent city locations, including Sultanganj and Ajgaibinath.
Expansion of tent city facilities
The Tourism Department has proposed expanded accommodation facilities across multiple locations for pilgrims.
Key arrangements include:
- 500 beds at Baba Ajgaibinath, Sultanganj (increased capacity)
- 600 beds at Abarkha in Banka district
- 200 beds each at Khaira and Dhobai in Munger
- 250 beds at Godiyari in Munger (first-time arrangement)
- 300 beds at Asarganj, 200 at Tarapur and 200 at Sangrampur (first-time arrangements)
All tent cities will include Kanwar stands, toilets, bathing facilities, clean drinking water, electricity and healthcare services. Community kitchens under Jivika Didi ki Rasoi will also operate at all major sites.
Cultural programmes and artist participation
The department has planned cultural programmes throughout the mela period at all tent cities.
National-level artists will perform at the inauguration and closing ceremonies, while state-level artists will perform every Monday. District-level artists will perform on other days.
District Magistrates have been directed to form screening committees for selection of artists for cultural programmes.
Additional infrastructure plans
In Bhagalpur, the administration has proposed construction of 25 Swiss cottages similar to those developed during Sonepur Mela, with land to be provided by the district administration.
Officials present at the meeting included Nandkishore, Managing Director of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, Udayan Mishra, Director of Tourism-cum-Special Secretary, Himanshu Sharma, CEO of Jeevika, and Chandan Chauhan, General Manager of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, along with other officials.
