Tarakeswar: The century-old Shravani Mela commenced at the Tarakeswar temple on Monday with massive security and enhanced pilgrim infrastructure under a special initiative by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari.While a spectacular helicopter flower shower (pushpa brishti) delighted thousands of devotees on Sunday, the aerial ritual had to be called off on Monday due to heavy downpours. The administration confirmed that, weather permitting, the helicopter will continue to shower petals over the temple grounds every Sunday and Monday throughout the month-long festival.Thousands of barefoot kanwariyas collected holy water from Nimai Tirtha Ghat at Sheoraphuli, walking the 35-km stretch to the shrine. To support the influx, the state govt has set up a medical Seva Sibir at 5-km intervals along the route, alongside temporary 100-bed treatment centres. Famous light artists from Chandannagar have illuminated the pilgrimage pathway, while a 3D light-and-sound laser show based on the Shiv Puran has been launched at Dudhpukur. A five-day Rudra Yajna is also underway at the Rajbari grounds.“All arrangements, from safety to medical emergencies, have been streamlined for the devotees,” said Dandiswami Sureswar Ashram, head of the Tarakeswar temple.
