Ganga Sagar mela is facing the after effects of demonetisation. The famous Ganga Sagar mela, which witnesses lakhs of deities coming every year seem to have lost its number of pilgrims this year. Not only is this fair considered auspicious but also is one of the most awaited religious fairs in India. It is the second largest fair held every year in the month of January on the Sagar Islands, at the mouth of the river in West Bengal’s Hooghly district.
Due to lack of pilgrims and audiences organisers are facing major trouble in the demonetisation heat. However it doesn’t affect the spirit of the devotees, but this fair too has suffered a blow due to the note-ban scheme. Ganga Sagar mela has seen several thousands of Hindu devotees thronging the Sagar Islands at this time of the year and take holy dip at the auspicious time on Makar Sankranti day on 14th January and offer prayers to Lord Surya (sun god). The holy dip is believed to wash the sins away and lead to the attainment of Moksha. Keeping the pouring number of pilgrims in mind there has been a number of ATMs set up across the area but this still fails to solve the problem of people who come from miles away to attend the ceremony.
NGOs working with the Mela have also alleged that they are facing problem with organizing the event due to the fixed withdrawal limit of Rs. 24,000. Surviving on the basic menu of rice and lentils, the NGOs are doing their best to ensure a safe and enriching experience for the devotees. This is one of the biggest fair that has taken place where its effects of note-ban could be seen. There are many camps which work on donations, since many people have become the victim of demonetisation they are giving less fund or else not at all. Due to this, the number of pilgrims has reduced.
The opinions of devotees are however contrary, while some praise the government for the decision other, curse it for the discomfort.
According to India Today reports, Satpal Giri, a priest who has arrived from Gujrat to take part in the holy ceremony said,
“What the BJP government has done it is not right, the poor people have been worst affected. The poor people hardly see the 2000 note or a 1000 note maybe once a month, all the big notes will go to the rich people only. The donations have also lessened after demonetisation. The problem is people do not have money.”
On the contrary, the priests who have already reached the Sagar Islands for the festival claim to be least affected and are rather appreciative about it.
“I have come from Haridwar. What Modi has done is very good, he has sent all the thieves to jail. Everything will be accounted for and everyone who has done wrong must be sent behind the bars. Many people will come and give speeches but no one will give us money only Modi is the best,”
said, Sagar Nath, a priest.
Another priest, Santosh Giri, said,
” I feel demonetisation is a great move he has sent all the wrong people to the jails and we are not facing problems. All the people who do illegal work are the ones who are in trouble not us. I am fromGujarat.”
