An unprecedented surge of pilgrims has turned Deoghar into a vibrant hub of spirituality just before Basant Panchami. Baba Baidyanath Dham, the supreme Jyotirlinga, pulses with devotion as ‘sasuraliye’ from Mithilanchal arrive en masse, their joyous slogans echoing far and wide.
Vasant Panchami falls on a Friday, a day for Saraswati worship nationwide, but Deoghar’s Tilak Utsav steals the show. Post-rituals, abeer-gulal festivities will erupt, celebrating not just faith but a unique cultural tradition linking two regions.
Annually, crowds swell days prior; this year promises over 2 lakh visitors. The belief stems from mythology: Shiva as Mithila’s damad, with Parvati from Himalayas. Mithilanchal’s expanse covers Bihar’s heartland to Nepal’s plains. These pilgrims honor the tilak before Mahashivratri’s nuptials, offering sacred Ganga water.
Regions like Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and beyond have sent over a lakh already, camping outdoors per custom—hotels are shunned at the in-law’s abode. The highlight: barefoot Kanwar treks from Sultanganj, 108 km of song-filled penance.
Rituals peak with jalarpan, crop offerings, and ghee bhog, heralding Holi’s start. Phulel application precedes shringar, tilak at Lakshmi Narayan. Mahashivratri looms 25 days away. Authorities are on high alert: DC Naman Priyesh Lakda mandates seamless arrangements for safety, hygiene, medical aid, and utilities.
No VIP privileges; coupon-based quick darshan only, fees adjusted for the deluge. This pilgrimage underscores enduring traditions in modern times.