14
Yahya Musakhel Report SOCIO - ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF HINGLAJ MATA FESTIVAL ON HINGOL NATIONAL PARK AND ITS RESOURCES April 9 - 13, 2006 Mohammad Yahya Musakhel Protected Areas Management Project, Hingol National Park, Uthal A JOINT INITATIVE OF WORLDBANK, GEF AND FOREST AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

This report presents the Ecological impacts of Hinglaj Mata Darshan on Park and its resources.

Citation preview

Page 1: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

SOCIO - ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF HINGLAJ MATA FESTIVAL ON HINGOL NATIONAL

PARK AND ITS RESOURCES

April 9 - 13, 2006

Mohammad Yahya Musakhel

Protected Areas Management Project, Hingol National Park, Uthal

A JOINT INITATIVE OF WORLDBANK, GEF AND FOREST AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

Page 2: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

SUMMARY

Hingol National Park is the largest of National Park of Pakistan. It is on the Makran coast

in Balochistan and is approximately 190 km from Karachi. The area was declared

reserved in 1988. The park area covers parts of the three districts: Lasbela, Gwadar and

Awaran of Balochistan province. It contains a variety of topographical features and

vegetation, varying from arid sub tropical forest in the north to arid montane in the west.

Large tracts of the NP are covered with drift sand and can be classified as coastal semi

desert. The National Park includes the estuary of the Hingol river which supports a

significant diversity of bird and fish species.

Hinglaj Mata is one of the holy and religious places for the Hindu community in the world

located in the heart of Hingol national Park. People of various regions and countries

came to perform their religious worship for centuries. The purpose behind the campaign

launching was to aware the people about the Park, its Biodiversity and globally important

species, and count the No. of people come for pilgrimage. Asses the impacts of

Yatrees1 on social, socio-economical and biological environment. Beside the park

campaign, local embroidery was also introduced by displaying various handmade items.

The purpose behind the display, to strengthening and empower local women and to

support income generating activities.

_______________________________________________________________ 1. Pilgrims

Page 3: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

Hinglaj Mata Darshan

Hinglaj Mata is one of the holy and religious places for the Hindu community in the world located in the heart of Hingol national Park. People of various regions and countries came to perform their religious worship for centuriesHindu people came from whole parts of the country as well as aboard the country.

Each year thousands of people come in this festival as well in other occasion. the people were interviewed for coming here, 32% of interviewed people came for the first time, 24% have second time, 12% have 3rd time, 4% people have 5th time, 20% people came 5-9 times and 7% came between 10 to 15 times. Mostly people came from Sindh, other parts of Balochistan and some came from Punjab. Given in graph 2. People stay 4 days and nights, 30% stay 3 days, 19% stay for 5 Days, 10% stay for 6 Days, 4% stay for one day and only 1% people stay in Hinglaj for two days. 73% came only for Religious purpose and 27% people came for both recreation and religious purpose. The interviewed people were asked for traveling time and days. 42% people reached here between 4- 10 hours, 32% reached between 11 – 16 hours and 26% reached here between 17 to 35 hours to Hinglaj Mata. 99% of interviewed came in group and only one percent came alone. The group size ranges from 5- 50 persons. 55% people group was 26-50 persons, 19% of the group consists on 2-5 persons, 16% was of 6- 15 persons and 10% was 16- 25 persons. 66% of the interviewed people shared the view that they came here through specially hired vehicle, 19% reached here with their own cars and 15% people came in public Transport. Car parking was a big issue. No proper and specified system for parking. The owner of the car/ bus park the vehicle, where they found suitable place. Due to the scare place, the big busses were face problems of turning. Some accidents were happened because of un-availability of parking area. In this festival, 83 big buses/ coaches, 34 coasters, 23 mini bus, 24 Jeeps, 69 cars, 12 Land cruisers and 4x4 pickups,4 police vehicle, 4 Ambulances, 4 police van, 13 Shahzore, 3 Trucks, 4 water tanks, 2 Tractors, 30 motor cycles and 16 cycles were counted.

Page 4: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

Table 1 Pilgrims No. and year. S.No. Year Total No. of Yatrees Foreign Visitors

1 2000 15,000 14 2 2001 10,000 - 3. 2002 10,000 8 4. 2003 20,000 25 5. 2004 Not held 6 2005 Not held 7 2006 10,000 9

.Graph 2. Percentage of Yatrees came to Hinglaj.

Sindh89%

Punjab3%

Balochistan8%

Purpose of visit and logics behind the visit Hinglaj Mata Yatra Feed Back This Teerath9 is famous and old in human history. The Devotees from all parts of the world come for Hinglaj Mata Teerath since centuries. Before partition, Rajput kings used to come for Yatra10 of Hinglaj Mata from Rajistan and Gujrat. There was no road that time, but they came here after long journey. Raven Hindos Rama Avatar, Great saint Guru Gorakh Nath, great Guru Nanak Sahib, Dada Mekhan Avatar of Laxman and other great saints, Rishis and Hindus Scholar paid visit to Hinglaj Teerath. Shah Abdul Latif Bhattai a great soofi poet praised Mata in his Sindhi poem. Devotees of Mata visited from Africa and Europe.

Page 5: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

There is no doubt, Hinglaj Teerath is very old and remained famous all the history. When Sikandar Azam11 of Yoonan fought with King Balram at Bali Kot Fort and stayed at Hingol River. Mean time Yatrees / Devotees of Mata performing Hinglaj Yatra and were not disturbed by force of Alixender and remain safe. King Samrat Vikramjeet also visited Hinglaj for Yatra after conquering all of the India. Raja Todarmal of Mughul regime also visited this Teerath. Other Rajput Rajas (Kings) like Bihari Mal, Raja Bhaj Singh, Raja Madho Singh,Raja Jagjeet Sing of Jaipur, Ram Devaj Pir of Rajistan with his army chief Agva Laloo Jakhraj also came to Yatra. In 1962 Dave Si Chohan, a Hindu Pandit12 while studying Maha Bharati (Hindus religious Book) found information about this Holly place. In this book, the description of this place was written in 563 A.D but no one understand the hints given in the book. He with 17 people wear white un-sewed cloth (mean do search not to come before the discovery of this place) move on the hints given in the book. When the reach Hinglaj, observe the big Dam ( piece ) of Hinglaj Mata. He then propagate the information of Mander and the festival system started in late eighties. It is worth mentioning that Hinlaj Mata has for more Dams (Pieces) in India while the big piece is in Pakistan (Hinglaj). According to them, their whole life worship is incomplete till they no visit Hinglaj. Purpose of Awareness Raising Campaign

• Awareness raising about Hingol National Park and it biodiversity. • Impact of event on Hingol National Park and on inhabitants • Introduction of indigenous embroidery to support income generation

activities in the Park area. • Hinglaj Mata Darshan2 purpose of visit, history and pray steps followed by

pilgrims Awareness about Hingol National Park Hingol National Park Management has made very special efforts during Hinglaj Mata Festival 2006. To aware pilgrims about Hingol National Park, a campaign was launched. A stall has been installed and briefing about Hingol National Park, its biodiversity, and Biodiversity conservation plan, different activities, and information about the area was carried out by Social team. Posters, banners pictures and

Page 6: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

brushers about Hingol National Park were displayed. In this stall, cultural indigenous various items were also displayed. Overall 73 people male and female were interviewed, only 23% hear about the Hingol National Park while 77% were not aware about the National Park. Only 2% were known about Hingol National Park through News Paper and 97% came to know through Sign boards, stall, banner and posters due to present efforts. The interviewed people consist over 73% male and 27% female. 68% people were between 21- 40 years, 22% were 40+ of age and 10% people were less than 20 years. The Pilgrims were communicated about importance of Hingol National Park, they show their interest to visit the park areas after festival in public holidays. The interviewed people were asked for their plan to come here next time, 96 percent were ready to come next year too, while 4% have told to not come next year because of some problems. The interviewed people were asked whether he is the Boss here what would try to change or to improve. The views of each person were different. Few problems were top prioritized; water was on top priority followed by residence facility, construction of roads, conservation of Biodiversity of Park and some desire for communication system, electricity, bath rooms and car parking. Detail given in graph.1 Graph 1 Priorities of problems in the festival.

Water34%

Residence22%

Road18%

Conservation12%

other Facilities14%

Page 7: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

Impact of event on Hingol National Park and Park people Obviously, the event plays an important role in the economic development, culture and amusement but it has some negative impacts as well on social and ecological and biological environment. Positive Impacts:

1. Socio Economic Festival as very significant for the local people and also for people of other areas of the country. The locals who are not able to run business on road and markets, can easily run their small business by installing huts, miscellaneous stalls, tea hotels etc. The event plays a vital role in boosting up local economy. During the

festival 139 temporary shops, hut, stalls and Tharhas3 were installed; 99 stalls were along the Black top road and 40 were established in the down stream. The shops of the main roads consists mainly on sweet, cold drinks, tea and fruit while the shops in down stream; 90% were consist over religious Items (Gifts, CDs, Posters, Statues and books etc.). 18% stalls were established by Locals (Park area people), 25% were come from other parts of Balochistan and 57% came from Sindh and Punjab Provinces. The estimated total investment was calculated as 3.41 million rupees. The share of Hingol people (Hingol, Kund Malir, Sangal) was 13% of total amount, the contribution of other parts of Balochistan was 23% and 64% invested by the people of rest of the country. 82% of stalls were installed by people for earning purpose and 18% stalls were installed for religion preaching (Hindoisam).

2. Food Stuff: The festival provides low cost food items. They buy things in major quantity and make a stock because they have not to pay extra transportation charges. They mostly buy pulses, potato, sugar, tea, flour and onion. They buy things mostly at the ending day of festival because the price come down and the sellers of far off areas ready to give things on low price and wants to release some weight of goods.

3. Recreational facility The people of the area leisure themselves with the pilgrims came from various parts and abroad the country. Whole of the day and night, local people wondering among the pilgrims. Where the drum beats, local people reach there and they enjoy seeing dance. The establishment of temporary markets and tea stall are the other things for their interest

Page 8: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

4. Free Medical Facility Festival is a ray of hope of local people for their free Medical check up. Medical Doctors from Uthal and Lasbella consult by Governments. Beside, Yatrees they also treat local people too,.

5. Free foods and cold drinks During the whole festival, food served by festival management people. Tea, bread, curry and Halwa available every time free of cost at Bhandara. While cold drinks and mineral water available at subsidized (50% off) rate. The local not only ate food themselves but also took it to their homes. Negative Impacts a. Socially

1. Begging concept During the festival it was observed that the local people, unfortunately, set on various tracks and paths in harsh climate, burning sun and unpleasant smell, spread hands for begging. Their eyes focused on the pocket of pilgrims. People involved in this bad profession, male of different age ranges from 5 to 60 years and female were from 3- 12 years. Some young boys of 14- 18 years were also observed begging.

2. Opportunistic and receiving mentality The festival an adverse role in locals mind, 24 hours every time when the food ready they took plates in Bhandara eat every time whether, they have hunger or not. They forgive the culture and ethics at that time and broken the lines. The expect each person to give them some thing.

3. Un wanted activities During the festival, some unwanted activities like Drink wine, and other smoking habits adopted by locals. Lasbella district is one of the peace full district of Pakistan and where people think thief as very bad social evil. When they drunk wine, forgive their good habits; steel and disturb females, and 17 people were arrested by police and 11 were ran away without arresting. Other drug activities like, drug selling, smuggled wine transportation in pilgrim’s vehicles etc. carried out through this festival

Page 9: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

b. On Environment

1. Pollution: During the festival, park area became a host of pollutants. Noise pollution (Fast drum beating, big loud speakers and huge crowd), Air pollution ( burn metro, plastics, fuel wood and unpleasant smell), water pollution (throw plastic bags in ponds, bathing in small ponds, excess use of

soap and shampoos, Sindur5, food items i.e. rice throw in ponds for fish in the pond and hairs cut by Yatrees. Plastic bags, news paper pages used as plate/ dish by people and then thrown every where. No proper disposal and care of environment found any where.

2. Disturb wildlife: Binding, tiding red ribbons on trees and fixing big flags in each mountain and near each water points, disturb the wildlife of the area. When the wind blows, the flags and ribbon vacillating and wildlife not go near trees for feeding. Their fear remain for long time and then they start grazing but the impact they understand all the moving and trembling things are ribbon and flags but not human, and their hunting after festival is very easy. The throwing plastic bags every where cause the casualties in wildlife.

3. Disturb Pond Ecosystem: During the whole festival, pond ecosystem was observed fully disturb and damaged. Dead fishes and Amphibians observed in each pond and pond bank. All the ponds were filled with hairs, plastic bags and oil.

4. Vegetation Each Yatree collect leaves and cut branches of tree and bushed for their relatives and for their own home. The trees and bushes look like, had never leaves grow on their bushes in life.

Page 10: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

5. Effects on forests During the festival, 85 pig pots for curry and 20 for rice were cooked 3 times, 12 big pots for Halwaand 8 big pots for tea two times in a day ready for serving foods to the Yatrees. A big pot consumes fuel wood; at least 14 Kg. 50 bags (Each of 100 kg) of flour cooked daily and a bag consume fuel wood at least 20 Kg. And the same way 25 stall and hotel run in the festival. An estimated consumption of fuel wood is about 38700 kg in the festival. A tree in the park have average weight is 120 Kg. The festival destroy and play a diverse impact on forests. The festival destroy about 322 trees and put an extra pressure of grazing on other trees. The fuel wood is collected by locals of the area and buy one Bar (30) Kg.@ 70 rupees. C. Introduction of indigenous embroidery to support income generation activities in the park area. The different hand made local embroidery which was prepared by local women of different WVCCs of the park area was displayed. The purpose of displaying was to introduce the indigenous embroidery and seek marking opportunities. The primary objective of this was to support income generating activities in park women. The visitors show great concern in type of activity. They took interest in Balochi embroidery, Shalwar, Qamees and Scarf. Some purse and Mobil cover were bought by people. Through this display, we found market for indigenous embroidery by offering 2 sellers at Karachi. Procedures / Steps of Pray: Yatries belonging to Sindh and Punjab started assembling at Swami Narain Temple, Karachi and the Yatries of Balochistan get together in Lyari Temple. Step -1. Kali Dev Mata Temple Lyari All the pilgrims get together at Kali Dev Mata Temple Lyari. After Puja Path (Worship) performing, Bhandara (Free food from Temple side) is served. Red caps Bgagwa/ Raksha (a symbol of Protection) given by Devi Mata Temple head to each Yatri. The people from all area come here in head of Pandat who hold a Charhi and follow him. According to the views of people; attendance at Lyari Temple request for permission to Nani Mander. Step -2 Chander Goopt: When the Pilgrims reach Chander Goopt, go to the top of the muddy heap. their views and religious belief that Shev Jee (Their big Guru) is in Chander Gupt Pond. Each person has a copper coin; Coconut and a leaf of

Page 11: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

a tree throw into the oozing muddy water spring. After throwing these all stand on the bank of volcano and burn a metro say few words for forgiveness and pick some mud put on their cloth. Visit of this place (Volcano) on Monday is strictly prohibited in their religion because if a person visit and go on Monday there; would be faced problem whole of the year, they think. Step -3 Stop on Hingol River: The Yatree who came in for the first time to Hinglaj Mata, have to stop here and do “Shanan” 14 (Take a bath) and the new comer male “Jundh/ Tokla15”(Remove his hair with razor and new comer lady cut her few hairs. The male and female both cut a branch of a tree (Miswake) and clean their tooth and then a boy go to search a new comer girl or women and request for made his sister and some occasion female search for male for brother making process. After founding sister or brother the female and male collect their cutted/ removed hairs along with the pieces of wood (Miswak), burry in to the river bank and they became brother and sister for life. The widows remove all their hairs when they reach here. After doing this, they understand that she is again like a girl and when her hair grow up and get married. The people who had visited before this, not bound to stop here, but depend on their wish to stay there. But almost people stop here because in each group new comers present. Step -4 Lalu Jasrad After taking a both they reach Lau Jasrad, all the people stop here and tide a red ribbon if they have some request and after binding they feel relax and move towards Ganeesh Jee Mander. Step -5 Ganish Dave Ganish is the son of Shave Jee and Shave Jee loved him very much in his whole life Ganish fully respect his father. His father said the yatree who came here, he ought to visit first Ganesh. So the Yatrees first worship Ganesh in Nani Mander. The new comers have to took five Lados ( a round yellow sweet) and five metro in burning condition keep before Ganish Jee Statue and go backward and joined his both hands when he leaves his ______________________________________________________ 13. Golden stick 14. Take a bath 15. Male Remove hair with razor and female cut some hair with scissor

Page 12: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

statue area. The people who visited before his fresh visit, not bound to bring Sweets and metro, but if a person wants to do, can did. If he visit second or so many times, has to give some money to the Pandat sitting in his premises. Step -6 Hanoman (Asha Pura) The second worship by the Yatrees got here. All the Yatrees bring Brasica oil, Kali Mash16 (Kind of a Pulse), Sendur ( a red colour ) and metro. They mix sendur , Kali Mash and oil and put on Morti17 and in the mean time burn metro. The purpose of doing this; the wife of Ram Chand, Seta Mata kept sendur on her fore head, pleased Ram Chand seeing this. When Hanoman ( the pupil of Ram Chand) asked Seta Mata why she kept Sendur on her forehead. She said, her husband love sendur very much. Hanoman jee put sendur on his whole body and said I will please him very much. Because of his love to Ram Chand Jee, people put these things on his statue. Step -7 Asha Pura Mata All the new comers male and female bring chunri18 and put on her statue. Beside this, coconut, metro, and bring female beauty things by people who have request for some things. Her be lovers also bring golden rings and neck less for keep her happy. Step -8 Melrhi Mata The people came to Nani Mander, would have to visit Melrhi Mata, because of their belief, safe from all sudden accidents. Yatree come here along with coconut, Scarf and Lapsee19( Halwa) put there and then worship. After they worship, go backward and attend the Kalka Mander. Step -9 Kali Mata (Kalika) The pilgrims, who came to this place, will bring a scarf mostly of red color, coconut and a statue made up of Gurh (Raw Sugar) now. In the past each of pilgrim bring goat and slaughtered here. In the early nineties a Guru saw dream to not bring goats here but make a statues of goat should be made of raw sugar. The Yatrees put the above mentioned things in a tray and keep before of Kali Mata statue.

Page 13: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

Step -10 Hinglaj Mata ( Nani Mander/ Sheron wali Mata) The Yatrees (Male and Female) came here bring coconut and scarf there, and do worship by singing Bajan. The new comers not allow going before performing special worship and procedures. The brothers made in Slep stay outside the Temple and at night at 4’O clock the (brother and sister) both wear Aluminum ring, Aluminum bangle, stone necklace and un sewed white cloths. They both hold their hands and drop themselves in the water in front of Nani Mander. Now they allow to go inside the Mander and do Charan Vidi (enter left door and go out from right door beneath Nani Statue) and came out from the premises of the statue. Maharaj (Pandit) give honey in mouth with his own finger. After this, they once more drop them selves in the pond and go to Chorasee and round the chorasee visit four times and once more they hold hands and go in to the water. Then they wear orange color cloth and put their hands on the foot of people standing there and take their Asherbad, the processed people became Hinglaji and complete Hindu. Step -11 Til Kund Beyond Nani Mander, Til Kund is the other place of worship. The new comers once more tested and treated, Mash (Pulses) given to the new one peoples with some water in their hands, in specific time they have to wash in hands, if they able to change the color of Pulses, it indicate that he came with keen belief and his Pap (Bad habits) has been finished. If not white, advised to leave bad habits. It is the place where he had to leave bed habits like smoke, Pan, Drink wine etc by leave the piece of Sagrets, drop of wine etc. here. Once he / she left, would not be touch in whole life. Step -12 Mumai Mata It I located opposite of Kali mata and commonly called Dasha Mata (10th Mother) or Ont Wali Mata. 175 grams moong taken by each Yatree and keep there and started worship. Then the next day go for Anil Kumd. Step -13 Anil Kund According to them, Seta Mata, Laxman and Ram Chaner Bagwan came here. After long and difficult journey and un-availability of water in toughed and barren mountains, seta Mata felt thrust. Ram Jee hit his arrow in the hill and water came out in Anil Kund. The arrow straight gone into the rocks and back out in Makli (Thatha Sindh). There also water had come out. The people took it for their homes and keep it for diseases.

Page 14: Hinglaj Mata Festival Hingol National Park report

Yahya Musakhel Report

Step -14 Makli All the pilgrims after performing their duties, go for further worship to Makli in Thatha Sindh. Here the Guru/ Pandat wash his golden stick (Charhi), Pilgrim end and the Yatrees disperse. Recommendations 1. Proper use of Natural Resources 2. Environmental Awareness 3. Proper marketing of local goods in the festival 4. Bane on cutting of local trees for fuel wood. 5. Proper disposal of debris 6. Fund raising Activities (Parking fee, Stall fee and entry fee) 7. Bathrooms in Anil Kund and water points construction for commercial

purposes 8. Distribution of Park materials (Posters, bursars etc.) 9. After festival cleanliness should be made necessary. The people who Contributed

1. Ms. Khadija Perveen Female Social Mobilizer, PAMP, Office, Uthal. 2. Ms. Perveen Naz Female Social Mobilizer, PAMP, Office, Uthal. 3. Abdul Rehman Deputy Ranger, Wildlife Hingol National Park, Uthal 4. Abdul Aziz, Deputy Ranger, Hingol. 5. Amanullah Deputy Ranger, Buzzi Pass area 6. Badal Khan Game watcher, Hingol. 7. Umar Khan Game Watcher, Hingol. 8. Anwar Game Watcher, Hingol.