A Sacred Tradition of Lord Shiva
Shravani Mela is one of the great annual religious gatherings associated with the worship of Lord Shiva during the holy month of Shravan.
The tradition brings together faith, pilgrimage, discipline, devotion and community service. Every year, large numbers of devotees undertake the Kanwar Yatra from Ajgaivinath Dham (Sultanganj), Bihar, to Baba Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar), Jharkhand.
The pilgrimage is especially known for the carrying of sacred Ganga water from Ajgaivinath Dham to Baba Baidyanath Dham, where devotees offer the water to Lord Shiva.
Ajgaivinath Dham (Sultanganj) is the sacred starting point, while Baba Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) is the revered destination of the Kanwar pilgrimage.
Ajgaivinath Dham — The Sacred Starting Point
Ajgaivinath Dham at Sultanganj in Bihar is situated on the sacred banks of the Ganga. It is the traditional starting point for the Kanwar pilgrimage to Deoghar.
Pilgrims arrive at the Ganga to collect holy water. The water is carefully placed in a vessel and carried in the Kanwar during the journey.
The pilgrims then begin their journey towards Baba Baidyanath Dham with devotion and determination. The traditional pilgrimage is undertaken on foot.
For this website, the sacred starting point will be identified as Ajgaivinath Dham (Sultanganj), Bihar. This keeps the sacred name prominent while also helping visitors identify the geographical location.
The Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra is the central pilgrimage tradition associated with Shravani Mela. Devotees who undertake the journey are commonly known as Kanwariyas.
Many Kanwariyas wear saffron-coloured clothing and carry a Kanwar containing the sacred Ganga water. Along the route, pilgrims chant devotional expressions such as “Bol Bam” and continue their journey with faith and discipline.
The pilgrimage route is commonly described as approximately 109 kilometres on foot. Depending on the source and route description, the distance may also be reported differently. This website will use verified official information whenever exact route figures are required.
Ajgaivinath Dham
Sultanganj, Bihar
Sacred starting point where pilgrims collect Ganga water.
KANWAR YATRA
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Baba Baidyanath Dham
Deoghar, Jharkhand
Sacred destination where devotees offer the Ganga water.
The Kanwariyas
Kanwariyas are devotees who undertake the sacred Kanwar pilgrimage. Many wear saffron clothes and carry their Kanwar throughout the journey.
The pilgrimage requires physical endurance, discipline and devotion. Pilgrims travel on foot while communities, volunteers and service groups provide assistance along the route.
During the mela, the route becomes a vast network of pilgrimage camps, resting places, food services, medical facilities, water points, security services and volunteer support.
The Sacred Offering at Deoghar
After completing the journey, Kanwariyas reach Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar.
The sacred Ganga water carried from Ajgaivinath Dham is offered to Lord Shiva at Baba Baidyanath Dham. This completes the central religious purpose of the pilgrimage.
The journey therefore creates a sacred connection between the Ganga at Ajgaivinath Dham and the shrine of Baba Baidyanath at Deoghar.
Growth of the Modern Shravani Mela
Over time, the Kanwar pilgrimage developed into a huge annual religious gathering. The mela now involves pilgrims from many parts of India as well as local residents, volunteers, service organisations and government authorities.
The modern event requires extensive arrangements for crowd management, traffic, sanitation, drinking water, healthcare, accommodation, food, security and emergency services.
These arrangements have helped the pilgrimage become one of the most remarkable religious gatherings in the region.
Why Shravani Mela Is So Important
Faith
A powerful expression of devotion to Lord Shiva.
Tradition
A living pilgrimage tradition connecting two sacred places.
Service
A huge network of community support and volunteer service.
Shravani Mela 2026
The 2026 Shravani Mela has now entered its active pilgrimage period. The inauguration at Ajgaivinath Dham (Sultanganj), Bihar, took place on 28 July 2026.
With the commencement of the mela, Kanwariyas have begun their sacred journey from Ajgaivinath Dham towards Baba Baidyanath Dham, Deoghar.
The 2026 pilgrimage is underway. This website will continue to update its information with confirmed reports, events, photographs, videos, travel guidance and other useful information as the mela progresses.