JAIPUR — The Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple drew an estimated 1.8 million devotees on Sunday for its annual Mehndi Utsav, an event distributing sacred henna believed to facilitate marriage. The record attendance marked a sharp increase fueled by social media reels claiming the temple's blessed henna could lead to marriage prospects within a year.
Devotees traveled from across India, including Indore, Bhopal and Agra, many arriving Saturday night. Despite heat and humidity, they waited in queues for six to seven hours.
"The festival commenced approximately two and a half hours ahead of schedule due to the overwhelming turnout," said Kailash Sharma, the temple's Mahant.
Organizers had prepared 3,500 kilograms of henna, sourced from Sojat City in Rajasthan's Pali district. The entire supply was distributed within three hours, with the distribution beginning around 5 PM rather than the scheduled 7:30 PM. Temple authorities then instructed devotees to leave as no henna remained.
The surge caused significant pushing and shoving, with queues extending toward JLN Marg. Police and temple volunteers were deployed to manage distribution points. Traffic congestion around the temple lasted nearly one and a half hours.
Ramesh Sharma, a shopkeeper near the temple for 40 years, said he had never witnessed such a gathering. "It's an old religious tradition that has gained new prominence through social media," he said.
The Mehndi Utsav tradition dates back roughly two centuries. Mahant Kailash Sharma said the festival began with just 1.25 kilograms of henna and has grown into a nationally recognized event. The belief that henna offered to Lord Ganesha brings good fortune and removes obstacles to marriage continues to draw pilgrims.
