Gujaratis turning to Lord Hanuman to arrest rupee slide

VADODARA: Gujaratis are banking on Hanuman, the remover of obstacles, to arrest the slide of the rupee.

On Saturday, the last day of the month of Shravan, devotees will cover the walls of Shri Kashta Bhanjan Hanuman Mandal in Tarsali area of Vadodara with currency notes worth Rs 7 lakh. The notes, in denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, have been donated by the devotees themselves.

"The rising cost of the US dollar affects Gujaratis, especially those settled abroad," said Jaydeep Patel, a devotee who has offered currency notes to be pasted on the temple walls. "We're seeking god's intervention since none of the economic theories are working."

Rakesh Patel, president of the temple trust, said: "We began this ritual three years ago but since last year we pledged to decorate the walls with currency notes to help the Indian rupee get stronger. It'll be a blessing for Gujaratis settled in the US."

Despite thousands turning up for prayers, not a single currency note is stolen. "A list of donors of the currency notes is prepared and the money is returned to them after Shravan is over," said Janak Amin, secretary of the temple trust.