Nagpur: After days of uncertainty and an arduous journey to India, the Nagpur pilgrims found much-needed relief in Bihar, where police, local authorities and volunteers stepped in with food, shelter and other assistance. Their stay also included an unexpected Raksha Bandhan celebration before the final leg of the journey home.The group reached Sitamarhi on Aug 28. From Bithamore to Patna and Danapur, arrangements were made for their food, accommodation, medical check-ups and onward travel. For the pilgrims, the assistance came at a time when they were both physically and emotionally exhausted.“We were in a terrible state. Getting back into India was an emotional moment, but we were in very poor condition — physically, emotionally and financially. Then the authorities in Bihar came to our aid. If we have reached home safely today, they have played a huge role in that,” said Nagpur tourist Asha Pandey, speaking to TOI.For Sarla, the arrival in Bihar brought an especially emotional moment. “When we reached Sitamarhi, it happened to be the day of Raksha Bandhan. We felt as though we had found brothers in Bihar. Some of the women among us tied rakhis to those who had been supporting us at Sitamarhi,” she said.Sunanda Gawande said Nepal MP Sandeep Rana also helped coordinate with MLAs in Bihar to ensure the group’s smooth transfer after crossing the border. “At both Bithamore and Patna, medical check-ups were conducted, and food and lodging were provided to us,” Gawande said. The assistance continued until the pilgrims boarded their train from Danapur.
