The coastal town of Digha in West Bengal, a long-time favourite for beachgoers, has a new attraction to draw attention: Jagannath Dham. The development has sparked a mix of hope and apprehension among local vendors.
Tapan Jana, a 48-year-old lottery seller whose small stand sits just outside the Jagannath Dham administrative building, is optimistic. He hopes the anticipated surge in tourism, fueled by the new temple, will boost his daily sales, which currently average around ten lottery tickets. He previously worked at a hotel on the beach before venturing into lottery sales.
Sangita Talukdar, a resident, echoed the sentiment that Jagannath Dham could transform Digha’s appeal. “Digha only had the beach, and that was its sole attraction. With this Jagannath Dham, it’s giving off a Puri vibe. Maybe this will encourage us to visit more often,” she said.
Local handicraft seller Tutu Sana also sees potential benefits. “We are happy for the Jagannath Temple because now the state government will likely focus more on this area. Perhaps during Rath Yatra, a similar kind of chariot festival will be organised here, giving residents an opportunity to earn money through stalls and food stalls,” Sana expressed.
However, not everyone shares this unbridled optimism. Sushanta Jana, who runs a 26-year-old shop near the Jagannath Temple, voiced concerns about the treatment of local businesses. “They dismantle our shop every now and then,” he lamented. “No residents have been invited to the Jagannath Temple opening, the roads have been blocked; everyone from outside has come. This shop has been here for 26 years, serving those visiting the Jagannath Temple. If they remove it, they should also provide us with a permanent shop.”
“A permanent shop would be very good for residents; one should think about where those whose temporary shops are removed every now and then will eat,” said Jana.
Som, a cap seller near the seaside, remarked on Tuesday, “Digha has a lot of opportunities to develop. It took this government (to begin them).”
The arrival of Jagannath Dham to Digha promises to attract more tourists and potentially boost the local economy. However, the hope for increased prosperity is intertwined with concerns about displacement and the fair treatment of those who have long been part of Digha’s landscape. Residents are now pinning hopes on religious tourism and potential economic opportunities.
“This will significantly boost religious tourism in Digha. While the area has seen considerable beautification efforts over the years, a temple sprawling across 20 acres is truly unique in the country. We anticipate this development will further transform the region and usher in a wealth of opportunities,” said Suprakash Giri, President of the Purba Medinipur Trinamool Youth Congress Committee, and a member of the temple trust.