Like Hamlyn waiting for the Pied Piper to drive away rodents, the Sadhu Gram at Tapovan waits to be rid of mosquitoes. By day, its residents take pride in narrating mythical tales of conflict between sadhus and demons and the establishment of Sanatan Dharma. However, as dusk settles, they get busy grappling with an apparently insurmountable problem. ‘‘Machhar bahut kat te hain (Mosquitoes are a menace)’’ is a constant refrain.From fires built on twigs and cow dung cakes to incense sticks and mosquito coils, sadhus marshal all the resources at their disposal to drive away the winged menace. But there are some dragging on their chillum, billowing trails of smoke from their nostrils, who say mosquitoes don’t venture near.Hassled officials are wondering how to deal with the menace. It’s not possible to provide mosquito nets to so many. Measures are being proposed to control the breeding of mosquitoes. The issue has been discussed by the Municipal Corporation. Mayor Dashrath Patil has sought the appointment of an official dedicated to the task of ridding the place of mosquitoes. He’s the Pied Piper Sadhu Gram awaits.Homeless sadhusSADHUS are believed to transcend the material world. Out here, however, the men-in-saffron are getting increasingly aggressive in their demands for plots at Sadhu Gram. Apart from sadhus affiliated to various akhadas and khalsas, several others are demanding plots at the Sadhu Gram.Officials have a tough time meeting such demands. But some sadhus have dispensed with the formalities: they have encroached on municipal property. One Madhodasji Maharaj has started living in a shed built for devotees. He has built a makeshift temple at the spot, which deters officials from taking stern action.Wishing away sinsTHE burden of sin prompts many to renovate temples and undertake acts of charity. The councillors of Nashik chose the simpler way of performing a ritual in the river Godavari, seeking pardon for their sins. Many gathered on the banks on Thursday night and performed the rituals called Paatak Poojan. Their presence attracted large crowds who were amused to see the otherwise boisterous lot conducting rituals in such a solemn manner.
