As Shravan or Sawan month has already begun on July 22, with notably unique coincidence of five Mondays in this month in 2024, the devotees of the Hindu deity Shiva across India and Nepal have started performing various rituals with the belief that Lord Shiva, the supreme power, will hear their prayers and bless them with health and happiness, spiritual growth, prosperity and fulfillment of desires.
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The rituals observed during Shravan vary across different regions. But primarily it involves visiting Shiva temples, be it the temple nearby home or visiting the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are believed to be particularly powerful during this period. In this month, each Monday is celebrated as Shravan Somvar across all Shiva temples with the dharanatra hanging over the linga or the Shiva idol to bathe it with holy water, day and night. Devotees pile the linga high with Bel leaves and flowers, pouring water on Shiv Linga with the recitation of ‘mantra’ or ‘spells’ and fast till sunset.
Shravan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, is the holiest month in Hinduism. During this time, Lord Shiva is celebrated for drinking the poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). A key ritual of Shravan is the “jalabhishek,” or water offering, to the Shiva Linga, which is believed to ward off evil, bring peace, and invoke Shiva’s blessings for removing human flaws and bestowing prosperity. Devotees also perform 'rudrabhishek,' a special puja for Shiva.
The Bol Bam pilgrimage, or Kanwar Yatra, is a significant event in North and East India, honoring Lord Shiva. Thousands of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, travel to collect holy water from sacred rivers like the Ganga and offer it at Shiva temples. The phrase “Bol Bam” is a call to Shiva, with “Bol” meaning “speak” and “Bam” referring to Shiva..
During the Yatra, devotees, dressed in orange and often barefoot, carry 'Kanwar,' earthen pots suspended on a bamboo pole, to transport the holy water. Most pilgrims travel on foot, though some use bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, cars, buses, or mini-trucks. It is essential that the Kanwar pots never touch the ground. Makeshift stands along the route provide rest stops for the pilgrims. As they proceed, they chant slogans such as “Bol Bam,” “Bhole Baba Durr Hain, Jana Zaroor Hain,” and “Har Har Bam” to express their devotion, alleviate fatigue, and make the journey more enjoyable.
Though not extensively documented in ancient texts, the Kanwar Yatra was observed by English travelers in the early 19th century in northern India. Initially a practice of a few saints and elderly devotees, it gained widespread popularity in the 1980s as people from Northern India migrated to places like Assam, bringing the tradition with them. Despite initial resistance, the Assamese community has embraced the Bol Bam pilgrimage.
During Shravan month, devotees from Assam travel to the Sukleswar Temple in Guwahati for the Bol Bam rally. Every Sunday, they walk to Basistha Temple to collect holy water from the Basistha River and return to Sukleswar Temple to offer it to the Shiv Linga on Mondays. This year, despite the extreme heat, many devotees participated, with vehicles decorated with Shiva idols and music systems playing devotional songs.
For the month-long Bol Bam Shravani Mela, the Kamrup Metro district administration and temple committees have ensured extensive preparations, including providing food, water, and medical services with two medical teams and ambulances stationed at each temple. NGOs and volunteers also offer free services throughout the journey. However, controversy surrounds the event as some intoxicated youths, disregarding guidelines, have turned the holy rally into a loud musical celebration, deviating from traditional practices and engaging in misconduct, which many view as disrespectful to the Hindu community.
Despite the health risks and dangers, Bol Bam pilgrimage is a socio-culturally approved occasion for everyone who accumulate spiritual merits for themselves and their family members with an exciting or remarkable experience. Furthermore, these kind of festivities offering congregational worship displays the real spirit of brotherhood, equality and fraternity among different social groups of Assam.