Golu Devta temple sees donations slash by 65%

ALMORA: The famous temple of local deity Golu Devta in Almora has seen donations slashed by more than half after the demonetisation of old currency by the government. As the cash crunch pinches public, devotees are staying away, said priests at the temple.
Hari Vinod Pant, priest and treasurer of the temple, said, “Since the higher currency notes were demonetised, the donations have been slashed by more than 65%. On usual Saturdays and Tuesdays, the temple sees donations of up to Rs 8,000 and in April and May, the amount increases up to 10,000 every day.However, since November 8, the donations have been decreasing every day. Now we barely see a daily donation of Rs 2,000. The turnout of devotees is also low.”
Without donation, the temple authorities are also finding it difficult to pay the staff responsible for upkeep of the temple and its premises.
Some devotees were still offering the invalid currency notes. The situation is similar in Gairar Golu Devta temple in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. “The temple does not usually receive large donations, but sees a large footfall. The past week, however, very few people have turned up to offer prayers here,” said Surender Singh, member of the temple management committee.