The Shiva temple at Areraj, around 26km west of Motihari, in East Champaran district earns half of its annual income during Shravan.

The local residents also do brisk business by setting up various stalls to provide service to the Shravan devotees. This ancient temple draws pilgrims from all over this month.

East Champaran district magistrate Abhay Kumar Singh inaugurated the Shravani Mela here on July 12. The district administration made all necessary arrangements for the devotees.

A major part of the annual income of nearly 300 traders near the temple premises comes from devotees who visit the shrine during this month.

Mahadeo Sah, a confectioner on the temple premises, said: “The month-long Shravani Mela contributes largely to our income.”

Another general store owner, Bachha Mandal, said: “We make all the arrangements for the Shravan devotees within 500m of the temple premises. A major part of our annual income comes from them,” said.

Bihar State Religious Trust Board, Patna, took over the charge of the temple in 2006 and at present, it functions under the local district administration.