Deoghar admin gears up for Shravan sans devotees

Dumka: Temple town Deoghar wore a deserted look on Sunday, a day before the first Somvari (Monday) of the auspicious Shravan month. Unlike in previous years at Baba Baidyanathdham temple, preparations for Shravani Somvar this year were low-key. Meanwhile, the district administration was busy giving finishing touches to the security preparations to prevent the entry of devotees into the temple town. In the neighbouring district of Dumka, where Basukinath temple is located, Shravani will be a low-key affair as well.
For the first time in several decades, Deoghar’s historic Shravani mela, a month-long fair, will not take place in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. The Jharkhand high court recently accepted the state government’s stand that religious congregations should be avoided to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
Deoghar DC Nancy Sahay said that following the court’s order, the administration has made arrangements for online darshan of Babadham temple. She said, “In compliance with the court’s order, we will have a virtual darshan facility at the temple’s Facebook page and on the state government website —Jhargov.tv. Simultaneously, one can also visit the district administration’s website to watch the puja.” She added that they have also roped in some private channels and Doordarshan to telecast the morning and evening pujas.
On security measures, she said that barricades have been put up at strategic locations to prevent any form of congregation by devotees. She added, “We appeal to everyone to celebrate Shravan at home.”