Shopping-crazy pilgrims going missing - Thera

Priyanka KURUGALA

Irresponsible acts of pilgrims are the main reason for their going missing in New Delhi, said Sri Lanka’s Buddhist Pilgrims Rest Administrative Secretary in New Delhi Ven Pallegama Vijitha Thera.

Citing the incident where around six Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims had gone missing in New Delhi recently, the Thera said most pilgrims give priority to shopping and other distractions and they get lost in a vast place like New Delhi.

Of the six pilgrims, three were found. The whereabouts of the rest are still not known.

“The children of most pilgrims, who are elderly, request their parents to bring things from India. These people are even unable to shop here. Due to pressure from their children, they go shopping and get lost,” the Thera said.

The Thera also requested Sri Lankan pilgrims not to bring more than US $ 100. “Around $ 100 is more than enough to give as donations and other needs. Some pilgrims bring a lot of money. This tempts them to buy a lot of things and get away from their group and accommodations,” the Thera said.

The Prelate said the Sri Lanka Buddhist Pilgrims Rest in New Delhi is a good place providing accommodation to pilgrims.