The general feeling here is that the 112 years old Vedvyas Mela, held at the confluence of River Brahmani, is gradually losing its shine. Once considered one of the most important attractions this fare is failing to attract visitors.

“At this rate the event will stop” lamented Muna Singh, a resident of Vedvyas. Another elderly gentleman said, “ at least this should not happen in my lifetime.” The gentleman who is in his mid-80s’ grew up seeing the grandeur of it and laments its gradual decay.

The fare, is the lifeline of a greater population and was providing livelihood for a to many. “Residents of Sundergarh, from nearby places in Chattisgarh and Jharkhand were coming here,” said retired HoD of History Prabhat Mallick.

Narrating its history he said, “the Gangpur royal family started this for meeting the requirement of the local population for one year.” But, urbanisation has gradually led to the loss of its pre-eminence. “Lack of support from the government is one main reason,” he reasoned.

Citing the example of Baliyatra at Cuttack, he said, “like that fare it has its own historical and cultural importance and this should be promoted by the tourism department as well.”

He stressed the fare badly needed repackaging. The number of shops have increased this year from 700 to 750 but business is down by fifty percent say traders. “My utensil sell is down and I can say the same thing about others,” said Santu Kumbhar from Jharkhand.

Chotu Khan who sells goggles said, “there is no Ram Doli (the large merry go round) so there is no crowd and there is no sell.” Many of them argued even if there was footfall there was nothing to hold them back and only shops could never do that.

When asked president of the Vedvyas Trust Board, which maintains the historic temple and organises the 15 day fare, ADM Manisha Banerjee said, “ I cannot say about the crowd but certainly one can look at marketing this like Baliyatra is being done.”

Meanwhile, secretary of the Trust Anupam Ray said, “that is a big thing asking where many departments need to be involved.” However, he welcomed the idea about marketing the fare in grand way. The traders who are coming there are also complaining that the trust is not giving them full support.

As one shop keeper said, “I was allotted a place a trust member asked me to move to another place for no reason.” This year the stall price has also been increased. From Rs. 60 for square meter it has gone up to Rs. 100.

When these were brought to Ray’s notice he said, “I cannot say anything about the allotment discrepancy only that committee can tell.” And on the enhancement he said, “at least I brought it down to Rs. 100 else it was initially enhanced to Rs. 250.” And he informed that administration did not allow the merry go round.