GUNTUR: Demonetisation of large value currency notes was evident on Monday at a mass gathering for the Karthika Vana Samaradhana. People go to gardens during the auspicious Telugu Karthika month to worship trees. Mostly, business, trade, caste and social organisations organise Karthika Vana Samaradhana programmes.
However, shortage of cash has had an impact on the general public’s inclination to reach the green spaces for the Vana Samaradhana. Every year, gardens in the state capital region are filled with people during Karthika month, but this was not the case this year. Even priests, who are generally much sought-after and tend to make some money during this month by conducting Vana pujas, are seen waiting for devotees. In many cases, families were seen in the gardens performing rituals themselves. Also hit by demonetisation were event organisers, food and equipment suppliers and travel agencies, besides taxi and auto drivers.
