Shravani Mela 2026: Bihar and Jharkhand Strengthen Coordination for Security and Pilgrim Management

Deoghar: In preparation for the successful, safe and smooth conduct of Shravani Mela 2026, an inter-state coordination meeting of senior officials from Bihar and Jharkhand was held at the Deoghar Circuit House on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by Santhal Pargana Commissioner Sanjay Kumar and attended by divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and other senior officials from both states to review security, crowd management and arrangements for pilgrims.It was decided that all districts along the Kanwariya route from Sultanganj to Deoghar would work in close coordination to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage. Officials from both states will remain connected round the clock, with communication strengthened through dedicated WhatsApp groups, modern information technology and Artificial Intelligence for faster information sharing and emergency response.
Officials said lakhs of devotees visit Deoghar and Basukinath during the month-long fair. To manage the heavy influx, multiple holding points are being set up across the mela area with facilities such as electricity, fans, toilets, bathing areas, drinking water, mobile charging stations and healthcare services. Tent cities are also being developed to provide accommodation and regulate crowds.
Special emphasis was laid on the safety of children and elderly pilgrims. Authorities appealed to devotees to ensure that children and senior citizens carry a contact number or address of their family members so they can be reunited quickly if separated. A large-scale public awareness campaign will also be conducted on the issue.The Bhagalpur Divisional Commissioner stressed the need for continuous coordination among Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, Jamui and the bordering districts of Jharkhand. Intensive patrolling, check posts and surveillance will be strengthened along inter-state borders to deal with any emergency without delay.
The Deoghar district administration also gave a detailed presentation on the preparations for the fair. Officials said a larger number of devotees is expected on Sundays and Mondays. Accordingly, magistrates, police personnel and security forces have been deployed at key locations, while special arrangements have been made for queue management, route regulation and the smooth offering of holy water at the temple.The meeting also decided that devotees would not be allowed to travel on the roofs of vehicles entering from Bihar. The entry of double-decker vehicles carrying Kanwariyas into Deoghar district will remain completely prohibited. Border districts have been requested to ensure strict enforcement of the restriction.
Giving top priority to the safety and convenience of pilgrims, officials also announced that VIP or out-of-turn darshan will remain completely suspended during Shravani Mela 2026 in accordance with state government directives. The move is aimed at ensuring equal and uninterrupted access to all devotees.During the meeting, administrative and police officials from Deoghar, Dumka, Godda, Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger and Jamui reviewed their preparations and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order, strengthening security and ensuring the smooth conduct of the month-long pilgrimage through close inter-state coordination. Several senior officers also joined the meeting through video conferencing.