Prayagraj, Feb. 12 -- With an unprecedented 45 Crore devotees converging at the Sangam for the Maha Kumbh, pilgrims are facing severe price gouging for essential services. From exorbitant boat fares to overpriced food and transport, those arriving with faith and devotion are being forced to shell out thousands even before stepping foot into the sacred ghats.
A boat ride to the Sangam, which is officially priced at '150 per person, has become a luxury few can afford. Boatmen are demanding anywhere between '1,000 and '1,500, leaving pilgrims with little choice. "This is extortion in the name of religion," fumed Ashok Verma, who had come from Lucknow with his family. "We wanted to take a holy dip, not be robbed blind!"
Some pilgrims, especia...