Udaipur, May 26, 2025 : Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat has strongly objected to the entry fees being charged by the Forest Department from pilgrims visiting the ancient Sitamata Temple during the ongoing Sitamata Mela at the Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary in Dhariyawad, Pratapgarh district.
Speaking on the issue, Dr. Rawat emphasized that devotees are coming to offer prayers, not to tour a forest reserve. He has raised concerns over the high entry fee of ₹145 per person, ₹55 for students, and up to ₹330 for vehicles, describing it as unjust and inappropriate—especially during a religious event of this scale and significance.
Sitamata Mela: A Deeply Spiritual Gathering, Not a Tourist Event
Dr. Rawat highlighted that the Sitamata Temple holds immense cultural and religious importance, especially for the tribal communities of the region. Believed to be linked to the Ramayana era, the site includes landmarks such as:
The birthplace of Luv and Kush
Natural hot and cold water springs
The legendary cracked earth spot where Sitaji is believed to have merged with the Earth
A rare site where Lord Hanuman is said to have been tied to a banyan tree
With these deeply revered locations, Dr. Rawat asserted, thousands of devotees, particularly from tribal communities, have been visiting the fair for over 15 days, leading into the main four-day festival, which began on Sunday.
“Devotees Shouldn’t Be Penalized for Faith”: Dr. Rawat
Dr. Rawat argued that charging entry fees during a religious fair is not only unjustified but also excludes the economically disadvantaged, especially the tribal population, from participating in their own heritage. “People are coming here to seek blessings, not to explore a sanctuary. Charging them as if they are tourists undermines the sanctity of this age-old tradition,” he said.
He also pointed out that the Chief Wildlife Warden’s notification, which governs entry fees for sanctuaries, does not list Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary among those subject to such charges—strengthening his argument for waiving fees during religious events.
Official Intervention Sought
Taking swift action, Dr. Rawat spoke to the District Collector of Pratapgarh and urged him to immediately revise the fee structure, particularly for the duration of the Sitamata Mela. He also indicated that he may escalate the matter to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, if required, to ensure a resolution that respects both faith and fairness.
As the fair continues to draw massive footfall, the MP’s intervention is expected to influence administrative reconsideration, especially amid growing public discontent over what many believe is a monetization of devotion.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
