Kolkata, 14 July (H.S.): The West Bengal government has begun preparations to organise a month-long Shravani Festival at the historic Jatileswar Temple in Jalpaiguri district, with an aim to promote the shrine as a major religious destination alongside the renowned Jalpesh Temple.

According to the district administration, special prayers, jalabhishek rituals and cultural programmes will be organised every Sunday evening through Monday during the holy month of Shravan. Extensive arrangements are being made to ensure the convenience and safety of devotees expected to visit the temple.

Preparations were reviewed at a meeting attended by Maynaguri MLA Dalim Chandra Roy, Block Development Officer Soumen Das, and members of the temple committee. It was decided that a stage would be set up within the temple complex for cultural performances, while the entire परिसर will be illuminated with decorative lighting throughout the festival.

The administration is also making arrangements for drinking water along the route between Jalpesh Temple and Jatileswar Temple. In addition, rooms within the temple complex are being cleaned and upgraded to provide accommodation and basic amenities for pilgrims staying overnight.

Speaking after the meeting, MLA Dalim Chandra Roy said that although Jatileswar Temple attracts a large number of devotees every year, it has not received the recognition it deserves. He said the state government is organising the festival on a larger scale this year to give the temple greater prominence.

Officials said all necessary preparations are being carried out on a priority basis to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. The initiative is also expected to boost religious tourism in the Maynaguri region during the Shravan month.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh