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GANGASAGAR, INDIA, December 10, 2002: Beginning this year, Gangasagar Mela, one of the largest religious congregations, will no longer be an absolute domain of sadhus and ordinary pilgrims. It will also be a paradise for for a fortunate few, ready to spend thousands of rupees per day for the experience. Thanks to a new idea of the West Bengal government and a consortium of five Kolkata-based tour operators, some 2,000 rich pilgrims will be able to travel to Gangasagar between January 11-15, 2003. These pilgrims can take holy dips in isolated shores and enjoy exclusive pujas at the Kapil Muni Temple as part of a five-star hospitality package. Trying to tap the religious tourism market for the country’s rich, five tour operators have arranged separate guided package tours for them during the Mela next year. Tour participants will have access to life guards at the bathing ghat, medical and fire services and cultural programs at night as part of the exclusive services at a cost between US$55 and &75 per day per person.

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