Rajkot Janmashtami fair remains nonstarter due to rains; traders seeks extention

Rajkot: The city received heavy incessant rainfall on Sunday, which was also observed as Sheetla Satam. Dark clouds brought a continuous downpour until 6 PM, disrupting normal life, flooding all underpasses, and causing rainwater to rush into many homes. Though the residents enjoyed the much-needed rain, the annual Janmashtami Lok Mela, or ‘Dharohar Lok Mela,’ being held at the Racecourse Ground, witnessed waterlogging that turned the ground muddy, making it difficult for visitors to enter.

Many food stalls were damaged, prompting stallholders to request an extension of the fair until August 30 instead of the originally planned August 28. The event typically attracts nearly 10 lakh visitors over its five-day duration.

A trader with a stall at the fair stated, “We had made a lot of preparations for this fair, but this rain has ruined everything. People are avoiding stepping out of their homes, due to which our business has been greatly affected.”

The district collector said, “Due to the rains, the fairground has been flooded. We have ordered that the water be drained from the fair as soon as the rain stops.” He added that engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department have been instructed to pave the fairground with moram and gravel so that people can walk easily.

The fair, which commenced on Saturday, was already witnessing less fanfare this year, as 31 mechanical amusement rides were unable to operate due to a lack of necessary clearances. Ride operators submitted an application to Rajkot City Police Commissioner Brajesh Kumar Jha, requesting some leniency regarding safety requirements.

One stall owner who runs an ice cream stall mentioned that there are eight ice cream stalls at the fair. “The heavy rain today has led to significant business losses. The public was already thin due to the absence of rides, and the fair has become empty since the rain started this morning. We typically earn around ₹40 lakhs, but due to the rains, we might only make ₹20 lakhs.”

Visitors who attended the fair commented that they have been coming to enjoy the Lok Mela for years, but this time they are unable to enjoy it fully. “We serve healthy dishes, including ice cream, at the Lok Mela. We enjoy all the rides, but the fun of riding is different when you have to wait in line among the crowd. That experience is missing this time. With the fair lacking rides, the rain may further decrease attendance.”

Commissioner Jha told the media that the operators had submitted their application to the licensing branch, which has been forwarded to the technical committee for review. If the committee confirms that the rides meet safety standards and issues a no-objection certificate, the licensing branch will grant the necessary licenses. “Despite it being a holiday, police and technical experts are working to expedite the application process,” he stated. DeshGujarat