Dumka: In a first-of-its-kind move, devotees will not be allowed to enter the Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple complex in Deoghar with mobile phones, bags, or any other belongings during this year's Shravani Mela, which is scheduled to commence on July 31. The month-long fair attracts lakhs of pilgrims from Jharkhand and across the country.
Restriction Aimed at Strengthening Security
The decision was taken at a high-level administrative review meeting chaired by state tourism minister Sudviya Kumar in Deoghar on Monday. Security measures, crowd management, use of technology, and facilities for pilgrims were also discussed during the meeting. Confirming the move, Deoghar sub-divisional officer (SDO) stated on Tuesday that the restriction aims to strengthen security and streamline the movement of the lakhs of pilgrims expected during the month-long festival. "Devotees will not be allowed to carry mobile phones, bags, or any belongings inside the temple premises during the mela," said Kumar, who also serves as the temple-in-charge.
Modern Cloakroom Facility Set Up
To facilitate this arrangement, a modern cloakroom facility is being established at the queue complex, enabling devotees to deposit their belongings before entering the temple. Officials said the initiative would help reduce congestion within the temple premises and improve the overall experience for pilgrims.
No VIP Darshan, Equal Access for All
During the review, the minister directed all departments to ensure timely completion of preparations and emphasized seamless arrangements for pilgrims. In a significant move, he also announced that there would be no out-of-turn darshan for VIPs and VVIPs, ensuring equal access for all devotees.
Advanced Technology for Security
Sudviya asked officials to strengthen security infrastructure by deploying fully functional police outposts, traffic control units, health centers, information kiosks, and round-the-clock sanitation services across the mela area. He also called for the use of advanced technologies such as facial recognition systems, AI-enabled control rooms, chatbot-based helplines, and smart traffic management systems to ensure foolproof security during one of the country's largest religious gatherings.
The temple, also known as Baidyanath Dham, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds immense religious significance. The Shravani Mela sees a massive influx of devotees, particularly during the month of Shravan, making security and crowd management a top priority for authorities.
