With the globally renowned Shravani Mela 2026 fast approaching, the district administration in Bhagalpur has significantly ramped up its preparations to handle the massive influx of devotees. Every year, millions of pilgrims gather at the Uttarvahini Ganga ghat in Sultanganj to collect sacred water before embarking on their journey to Baba Baidyanath Dham and Basukinath. To ensure that pilgrims do not face any hardships during this arduous pilgrimage, the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation has introduced enhanced transport arrangements this year.
Bus services from two key hubs
According to the transport department, official bus services will be strategically operated from two primary locations to accommodate the pilgrims. Those planning to travel to Deoghar will find buses available near the Sultanganj Block office. Simultaneously, for pilgrims heading to Basukinath, buses will depart from the Tilkamanjhi bus stand in Bhagalpur. Transport official Pawan Shandilya confirmed that more than 30 buses are being deployed to cater to the crowd. He indicated that while 30 buses were utilized last year, the administration is prepared to increase the total number of vehicles further if the demand necessitates it.
Revised travel fares
Traveling during this year's Shravani Mela will cost more than it has in previous years. Pilgrims traveling from Sultanganj to Deoghar will now be required to pay a fare of 197 rupees. Similarly, those traveling from Bhagalpur to Basukinath will need to purchase a ticket priced at 181 rupees. Previously, pilgrims could reach Deoghar by paying between 120 and 150 rupees, meaning they will now face an increase of approximately 47 rupees per ticket.
Managing the difficult 105-kilometer trek
The significance of Sultanganj grows exponentially during the holy month of Shravan, as devotees from every corner of the country arrive to take the holy dip. The grueling journey from Sultanganj to Deoghar spans approximately 105 kilometers, which pilgrims complete either on foot or through various modes of transportation. Recognizing the extreme congestion, the administration remains on high alert to facilitate a safe and systematic travel experience for all visitors throughout the duration of the event.
