It was a long weekend coinciding with Diwali and Kali Puja. Although advance bookings were relatively low this festive season, causing concern among hotel owners, but the picture changed over the weekend. During the holidays, massive crowds flocked to Digha and Mandarmani.
As a result, this brought smiles to the faces of, who are associated with the tourism industry. Not only the beaches but also Digha’s Jagannath Temple saw a remarkable influx of visitors. Since the temple’s inauguration in April, the number of tourists in Digha has increased several times.
According to temple authorities, from Dhanteras to Diwali, more than a hundred thousand devotees visited the temple, similar to the rush seen during Durga Puja. On Wednesday, for the first time, the Annakut Utsav and Govardhan Puja will be celebrated at Digha’s Jagannath Temple. As trustee committee member Radharam Das said, “This is the first time Durga Puja and Diwali are being celebrated at Digha’s temple. Hence, there is special excitement and enthusiasm among the devotees. Around seven lakh visitors came to the temple during Durga Puja.”
Meanwhile, with the long weekend starting Saturday, the beaches were packed with tourists. Bipradas Chakraborty, joint secretary of the Digha Shankarpur Hoteliers’ Association, said, “Although advance bookings were slightly low, spot bookings have increased. About 70–80% of hotel rooms are full. Earlier too, Diwali holidays used to bring crowds, but not as much as this year. Due to the extended holidays, a large number of tourists have come to Digha for a getaway.”
According to hotel owners’ associations, “The rush is because the festive holidays will end after Bhai Phonta.” The administration, however, kept a close watch on everything. With the tourist influx, police surveillance was increased in Digha and Mandarmani. Superintendent of Police Soumyadeep Bhattacharya said, “Civil-dressed police are patrolling. A special women’s police team is also on duty. All efforts are being made to ensure that tourists face no inconvenience.”
