By VIVEK CHHETRI
Darjeeling, December 2 – The Dalai Lama’s six-day visit to the hills is quickly filling up the coffers of the residents of Singamari, where the spiritual leader will deliver his discourses.
With thousands of the Dalai Lama’s followers trickling into the town over the past few days from Bhutan, Sikkim, Northeast and other parts of the country, those with a room to spare are making a killing in Singamari.
Since the Buddhist leader will deliver his sermon and conduct the initiation programme at the St Jospeh’s School ground, most of his followers are preferring to stay in the fringe villages of Ropeway, Shanti Parbat, Bhota Goan, Thana Line and Bhanu Gram, a mere 10 minute walk.
Residents of these villages are charging anything between Rs 100 and Rs 500 per day for a person for the week-long stay. The rates however, exclude the food bills, which the guests have to foot separately.
Subash Brahim, a resident of Bhota Goan, already has 20 individuals at his place, all from Sikkim, and he is charging Rs 200 per person for a day’s stay. “Most houses in the areas have already been let out and there is a huge demand now. If one is lucky, one may still find a few places but it will be difficult”, he said.
The rate Brahim is charging excludes food as most visitors prefer to cook their meals for their family.
With schools and colleges having started closing down for the winter vacation, the villagers have got an opportunity to make some quick money.
The timing could not have been better. Apart from St Joseph’s and Darjeeling Government College, a number of schools are located in the areas and many of the students stay as paying guests there. But with most schools closing for winter, the residents can now take in the guests.
Sanjay Dorgee, who has travelled from Sikkim along with his parents, to get the Dalai Lama’s blessings, said: “It is economical to rent a place in Singamari. My parents are old and they cannot travel everyday from town. You don’t have to bother about transportation if one stays here.”
There are just a few rooms available but they will come for a price. The owner of Burmish restaurant in Singamari, who does not want to be named, said: “We are still getting enquiries from Bhutan. The group wants a telephone connection, television sets and attached bathrooms. I guess we will charge the entire family about Rs 5,000 per day,” he said.
It’s the hotels which are losing out. Reena Mistry of Fairmount Hotel on Gandhi Road said: “We had expected a huge rush, but that has not been the case so far.”
