Odisha CM Expresses Grief Over Deaths of 18 Kanwariyas in Jharkhand Accident

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 18 Kanwariyas in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi offered his condolences and expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

The mishap occurred near Jamuniya village during the Shravani Mela, a time when thousands of Shiva devotees undertake a sacred journey to offer holy water at the revered Baba Baidyanath Dham temple. The accident also left ten others injured.

Reacting to the incident, CM Majhi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to convey his sympathies. “Deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Deoghar, Jharkhand, that claimed the lives of several Kanwariyas. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” he posted.

He also prayed to Lord Jagannath and Baba Baidyanath to give strength to the grieving families and wished a speedy and full recovery for those injured in the accident.

Authorities in Jharkhand have initiated relief efforts, and the injured are being provided with necessary medical treatment. The Odisha government is expected to coordinate with its Jharkhand counterpart to extend all possible assistance to the affected devotees.

The Shravani Mela is one of the most significant religious gatherings in eastern India, drawing lakhs of pilgrims who undertake arduous journeys as an act of devotion.