Drowning Mishap / Kanwariya Missing in Anugola Canal Mishap during Shravan Rituals

Anugola, Aug 10: A tragic incident occurred near Tipirisinha in Anugola district when two Kanwariyas were swept away by the strong current of the Lingara canal while collecting water for ritual offerings.

According to reports, the devotees — two brothers — were fetching water for Jalabhishek at Tipirisinha temple when they were suddenly dragged by the forceful stream. Locals managed to rescue one of them, but the other remains missing.

Fire service personnel rushed to the spot and have launched an intensive search and rescue operation. Preliminary information suggests that the missing devotee hails from Bentapur area of Anugola, though his identity has not yet been fully confirmed.

Also read: Second Monday of Holy Shravan Month Draws Massive Crowds At Shiva Shrines

Heavy rainfall has intensified the canal’s flow, prompting authorities to caution people against venturing near rivers, canals, and reservoirs without proper safety measures.

The incident comes on the second Monday of the holy Shravan month, when thousands of Kanwariyas throng Shiva temples across Odisha to perform Jalabhishek rituals.

From Sunday night, long queues of devotees were seen at the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar, Lokanath Peeth in Puri, and other prominent shrines. At Ekamra Kshetra’s Lingaraj temple, Kanwariyas lined up through the night to offer water to Lord Shiva.

Similarly, at Bhograi Baba Chandaneswar Peeth, lakhs of devotees carried water from nearby rivers to perform rituals, beginning at 4 AM after the temple’s ceremonial opening.

In Nayagarh, the famous Ladubaba temple witnessed hundreds of Kanwariyas offering water since early morning. The temple opened at 3 AM, followed by rituals at 4 AM. Devotees from Kantilo, Cuttack, and other regions fetched water from rivers to fulfill their vows at Ladubaba’s shrine.

With massive crowds converging at temples across the state, district administrations have tightened security arrangements to ensure safety and smooth conduct of rituals.

While Shravan festivities continue with devotion and fervour, the Anugola mishap serves as a grim reminder of the risks posed by swollen rivers and canals during monsoon.