Bhagalpur: The world-renowned Shravani Mela began on Monday with a grand inauguration in Ajaibinath Dham city, Sultanganj. The event saw the presence of Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Chaudhary Vijay Singh, Revenue Minister, Dilip Jaiswal, along with the Divisional Commissioner of Bhagalpur, the District Magistrate, and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). The dignitaries inaugurated the fair by lighting a ceremonial lamp and launched the Shravani Mela 2024 app, designed to provide Kanwariyas with essential information about available facilities.
Revenue Minister Dilip Jaiswal, in his address, expressed his commitment to the development of Ajaibinath. “As the Revenue Minister, I will do whatever is necessary for Ajaibinath’s growth. This event presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance Ajaibinath, similar to the development witnessed in Patna and Bodh Gaya,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Singh highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage. “Thousands of years of subjugation have tried to erase our heritage in Champapuri and Ajaibinath. It’s time for the sons and daughters of Mother India to revive this cultural legacy. No vestige of past oppression can hinder Bihar’s progress in the 21st century. We must restore Ajaibinath to its historical glory,” he declared.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary emphasized the unique communal harmony and unity at the Shravani Mela. “This fair showcases an unparalleled system in the world. Millions of people, united by the chant of ‘Bolbam’ and dressed in one colour, come together. Devotees from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh share the same devotion to Baba. This is the epitome of secularism. Around one crore people attend this month-long event, all with the singular purpose of collecting water from the Ganges and offering it to Baijnath Baba,” he stated.
