72 Years of Faith: Devotees from Abroad Flock to Purnia's Shitala Temple for Cures

• An ancient Shitala Temple in Belori, Purnia, Bihar, hosts a grand Shitala Ashtami event, drawing devotees for 72 years.
• It's believed that sprinkling water offered to Mata Shitala cures severe diseases like smallpox.
• The fair attracts millions, including married daughters returning home, filling every house with guests.
• Devotees from Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh join locals from Purnia and Seemanchal to seek blessings.
• Pramod Debnath, temple committee president, highlights the event's long history and community cooperation.