Food and Prasad Rates Determined for the World-Famous Shravani Mela; Full Thali Price Increased from 70 to 75 Rupees, While Half Plate and Children's Thali Rates Remain Unchanged
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: Keeping the budgets and conveniences of millions of Shiva devotees (kanwarias) arriving from across the country and abroad in mind during the world-famous and historic Shravani Mela in Sultanganj, Silk City Bhagalpur, the district administration has released a new rate list for food items, meals, and the renowned regional prasad (peda). A mild impact of inflation has been observed in the mela this year, under which the price of a full meal thali has been increased from 70 rupees to 75 rupees. However, prioritizing the convenience of common pilgrims and kanwarias, the administration has refrained from steep price hikes across most items, maintaining the prices of several essential commodities at their previous rates.
Official Announcement of Rates by Sadar SDO
To ensure the smooth operation of the Shravani Mela and curb profiteering and arbitrary overcharging in the market, Bhagalpur Sadar SDO Vikas Kumar has established a new rate chart in coordination with shopkeepers, hotel operators, and committees within the mela zone. Clear directives have been issued to the SDRF, police administration, and food safety officials to prominently display this fixed price list across all eateries, hotels, and stalls in the mela zone so that no kanwaria or tourist is charged excessive amounts.
Incremental Change in Meal Rates: Full Thali at 75 Rupees
Meal arrangements are of paramount importance for kanwarias and travelers during the mela. According to the new rates determined by the administration:
Full Thali: The food thali previously available for 70 rupees has seen a modest hike of 5 rupees, bringing its price to 75 rupees. This thali will provide sattvic and quality food, lentils, rice, vegetables, and rotis in fixed quantities.
Half Plate and Children's Thali: As a welcome relief, no price increases have been made for those consuming smaller portions or for children. The half-plate meal at 40 rupees and the children's thali at 50 rupees will remain available at their previously established prices.
Slight Increase in the Price of the Renowned Peda
The local peda holds immense popularity among kanwarias visiting Sultanganj and Deoghar and is purchased as a sacred offering to Lord Shiva.
New Price of Peda: Accounting for inflation and variations in milk production costs, a minor revision has also been applied to the price of peda. Peda, which previously retailed at 360 rupees per kilogram, has been revised to 380 rupees per kilogram.
Guarantee of Purity: The administration has emphasized that despite the adjusted prices, no compromises will be made regarding the quality and purity of the peda. Food safety department teams are continuously conducting surprise inspections of shops to clamp down on adulteration.
Strict Directives for Shopkeepers and Hotel Operators
The district administration has issued stringent directives to all large and small eateries, hotels, sweet shops, and water stall operators operating within the mela zone:
Mandatory Display of Price Lists: Every shop must feature a prominent rate chart displayed in large letters outside its premises, clearly detailing the prices of the full thali, half plate, and peda.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism: If any shopkeeper is found charging amounts higher than the prescribed rates, warnings have been issued for immediate license cancellation and legal action. A special complaint counter has also been established in the mela control room for this purpose.
While the increase in the full thali price from 70 to 75 rupees and the slight adjustment in peda prices during the Shravani Mela reflect the touch of inflation, stabilizing the prices of half plates and children's thalis demonstrates the administration's balanced approach. Thanks to these transparent arrangements and fixed rates, kanwarias will be able to access pure food and prasad at fair prices this year, rendering their sacred journey even more convenient and effortless.
