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Film's Success Clogs Pilgrimage Route
4 Oct
Summary
- A popular ashram experienced severe traffic gridlock due to increased visitor numbers.
- Journeys to the pilgrimage site are taking up to 12 hours, impacting residents and services.
- A low-budget film's unexpected success is linked to the surge in devotees.
Kainchi Dham, an ashram in Uttarakhand linked to Neem Karoli Baba, has experienced significant disruption due to a massive influx of devotees. This surge is directly attributed to the unexpected box office success of the low-budget film 'Hanuman Ansh', which has drawn many people unfamiliar with Neem Karoli Baba to the pilgrimage site.
The increased footfall, estimated at over 6,000 daily and 20,000 on weekends, has created severe traffic congestion on routes leading to the ashram. Journeys that typically take a few hours are now extending to 10-12 hours, affecting local residents, tourists, and the delivery of essential supplies like medicines. Ambulances and schoolchildren have also been caught in the gridlock.
Authorities have implemented traffic restrictions, including diversion of some traffic and increased shuttle services from parking areas. Despite these measures, the sheer volume of visitors continues to strain the local infrastructure. The film 'Hanuman Ansh', reportedly made on a budget of Rs 2 crore, has achieved remarkable box office numbers, with its worldwide gross estimated at Rs 419 crore.
The spiritual destination has seen enhanced security measures, including tightened entry and exit points and increased barricading, to manage the large crowds. The film's impact extends beyond cinemas, creating substantial logistical challenges for the popular ashram and its surrounding areas.
