Durgapur, 26 July (H.S.): To facilitate devotees travelling to the Shravani Mela, a free special bus service from Durgapur to Tarakeswar was launched on Sunday on the initiative of Durgapur West MLA Laxman Chandra Ghorui. The service was flagged off from the Durgapur Railway Station premises.

Local residents and pilgrims said that the annual Shravani Mela attracts a large number of devotees, often leading to transportation difficulties. They expressed hope that the special bus service would make the pilgrimage safer and more convenient.

According to the organisers, the bus will depart from Durgapur and make a stop at Sheoraphuli, where devotees will collect holy water from the Ganges. It will then proceed to the Baba Taraknath Temple in Tarakeswar. After offering prayers, the pilgrims will return to Durgapur by the same bus.

The free service will continue on the remaining Mondays of the holy month of Shravan. No fare will be charged from devotees for the round trip.

Speaking at the inauguration, MLA Laxman Chandra Ghorui said, “Thousands of devotees visit Tarakeswar during the Shravani Mela. Our primary objective is to ensure that their journey is safe, smooth and comfortable. We will continue to undertake such initiatives for the convenience of the public in the future.”

Before the departure of the bus, the MLA greeted the pilgrims and distributed drinking water, biscuits and sweets among them.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey