Bhubaneswar, July 5: With the auspicious month of Shravana just around the corner, preparations are in full swing across Odisha. The first Monday of Shravana, falling on July 11, will witness thousands of devotees offering sacred water to Lord Shiva at major Shaiva shrines across the state.
Large crowds of Bol Bam devotees, chanting “Bol Bam,” are expected to gather at prominent temples such as Lokanath Temple in Puri and Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. The month of Shravana holds special significance for followers of Lord Mahadev, who observe fasts and undertake arduous journeys to fulfil vows and seek blessings.
“Offering water to Mahadev during this holy month requires complete devotion and often strict fasting,” said Bibhuti Ranjan Tripathy, a priest at Jagamara’s Jagannath Temple.
The holy ritual of water offering will take place every Monday of the Shravana month — four in total — beginning July 11.
Bol Bam market comes alive ahead of pilgrimage season
With the influx of devotees preparing for the Shravana pilgrimage, the local Bol Bam markets have sprung to life. Streets and designated markets are now lined with an array of religious merchandise — from traditional saffron clothing and bamboo bahunga (yokes) to symbolic items like plastic Shiva figurines, serpents, and miniature lingams.
Vendors report a surge in demand, with prices seeing a modest increase of ₹5 to ₹10 from last year. Bamboo yokes are now priced from ₹40 onwards, while higher-quality cane yokes start at ₹650. Decorated variants are also available at premium rates.
Garlands made from tulsi, wood, rudraksha, and pearls are priced between ₹30 and ₹80. Devotional clothing with “Om” inscriptions, in shades like tiger-stripe, Hanuman red, pink, and red, are available for ₹20. Other offerings include incense holders, plastic idols (₹10–₹20), Ganga water, castor oil, honey, turmeric, baheda, sandalwood paste, vermillion, panchashasya (five sacred grains), and betel leaves.
Additional accessories such as headbands (₹15), brass shields (₹150–₹400), plastic pots (2 for ₹40), bells (from ₹20), sacred threads (₹60), wristbands, and lace (₹15) are also in high demand. Mobile pouches for pilgrims are selling at ₹60.
Vendors say the seasonal market will remain open until the conclusion of the Shravana month, catering to the steady flow of devotees preparing for their spiritual journeys.
