Shravani mela at Jalpesh
July to August, through the Hindu month of Shravan
In Shravan, which falls in July and August, devotees dressed in saffron carry water in pots slung from a bamboo pole, and walk barefoot to Jalpesh. Many collect water from the Teesta and walk through the night. Mondays in Shravan are the busiest days, when queues stretch far from the temple gates.
A fair runs near the temple through the month, with food stalls, music and religious goods. It is a Hindu pilgrimage first, so visitors should watch quietly and keep out of the way of the walkers. Heavy monsoon rain is normal, and the nearby national parks are shut from 16 June to 15 September.
How to do it well
- Mondays in Shravan are the most crowded days
- Bring a good umbrella and waterproof footwear
- Give way to pilgrims on the road; many walk barefoot through the night
- Do not plan wildlife safaris in the same trip; parks are closed
- Dates follow the Hindu calendar. Check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What happens at the Shravani mela at Jalpesh?
Pilgrims carry holy water, many of them from the Teesta, and walk to the Jalpesh temple to pour it over the Shiva lingam. They wear saffron, chant "Bol bom" and walk in groups, often through the night. A fair with stalls and food runs beside the temple through the month of Shravan.
When is the Shravani mela?
It runs through the Hindu month of Shravan, which usually falls between mid-July and mid-August. Mondays are the main days. The exact start and end change each year with the lunar calendar, so check the Shravan dates for your year before you plan a visit.
Can I combine the Shravani mela with a Gorumara safari?
No. Gorumara, Jaldapara, Chapramari and Buxa are closed every year from 16 June to 15 September, which covers all of Shravan. You can see tea gardens, Samsing and the Teesta in the rain, but there are no safaris. Plan a separate winter trip for wildlife.
Is the Shravani mela safe for visitors?
It is generally peaceful, but crowds are dense on Mondays and roads are slippery in the rain. Keep valuables close, avoid driving on the Mainaguri road at peak hours and give space to the walking pilgrims. Elderly visitors should go on a weekday morning.