The Department of Post's decision to sell bottled 'Gangajal' (water of the Ganga river) at post offices has received decent response from people, though they mostly prefer water from Rishikesh than Gangotri, a postal officer from Maharashtra and Goa circle said.
The Department of Post in June had issued a circular to all postal circles on selling Gangajal, considered auspicious by Hindus, brought from Gangotri, the origin of the Ganga, and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand.
"The sale of 'Gangajal' began from July 10 at Patna GPO and subsequently all the circles implemented the order," the officer said, adding this service is catering to the sentiment of a large number of people.
In Maharashtra circle, gangajal from Rishikesh and Gangotri is available in bottles of 200 ml and 500 ml each.
"(However) Gangotri water is a bit costlier given that it is far from Rishikesh and considering the process of bottling and transportation cost," he officer said, adding people prefer water from Rishikesh than Gangotri.
From July 10 to September 15, Maharashtra circle received 1,943 and 1,855 orders for 200 ml and 500 ml of Rishikesh gangajal, respectively, whereas the orders for Gangotri gangajal stood at 74 and 20 for bottles of 200 ml and 500 ml.
Asked why preference is given to water from Rishikesh, the officer said, "Rishikesh cherishes its association with land of Gods, saints and sages. Moreover, the price is also a bit lower and this may be the reason why people opt gangajal from Rishikesh than Gangotri."
He said the bottled water is available at all major post offices across the circle.
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