Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar draws millions for Shraavana fair

On the third day of the Shraavana pilgrimage, the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand, saw a massive crowd of devotees performing the traditional water‑abhiṣeka. Organisers reported that despite the large numbers, crowd‑control measures, medical facilities, drinking water and sanitation services kept the event running smoothly. The fair, which began on 30 July, is expected to attract between 3.5 million and 5.5 million pilgrims by its scheduled end on 28 August.

In Haridwar, the Siddhapiṭh South Kali Temple hosted a special Rudrabhishekam led by Swami Kailashanand Girī. Hundreds of worshippers gathered to witness the ritual, which included a midnight dip in the Ganga and a series of continuous Shiva prayers lasting until the full moon. Security and traffic management were coordinated by Uttar Pradesh authorities, with the chief minister praised for the smooth conduct of the Kānva Yātrā routes.