Saatam, Aatham and Janmashtami celebrations form a time of the year when Saurashtra is at its gambling best.
Saatam, Aatham and Janmashtami celebrations form a time of the year when Saurashtra is at its gambling best.
Splurging money on bets at this time of the year is not a usual thing for people of the region. But now they have given the trend a new twist. They now travel to international destinations to try their luck in style.
Tour operators are being flooded with bookings for Macau and Genting Island in Malaysia which are famous for their casino culture. Deven Shah of Royal Travels, Jamnagar has more then 25 bookings for Hong Kong and Macau.
“People are tired of the traditional gambling. They want to experience something new and casinos are the next best option. Macau has Asia’s largest casino which is an attractive factor for all the travellers,” he said. Vikram Waghela, director MB Travels in Rajkot has so far booked a tour for 14 families for such destinations.
“Rajkot offers a chain holiday of about five days during this festival. Here, people want to enjoy a family holiday, but at the same time do not want to miss out on gambling. So people prefer to go to destinations which offer family entertainment as well as gambling. Hong Kong is a particular favourite because it offers both Disneyland and casinos,” said Waghela.
Vice-president of Cox & Kings, Sanjeev Chhajer said Janmashtami happens to be the favourite festival of people from Saurashtra. “Previously, Goa was the preferred destination for people from Gujarat in general and Saurashtra in particular to try out their fortunes with gambling, but this time it is Macau and Malaysia,” he said.
Amdavadis too are looking forward to this festival not just for a family holiday but to see if they can hit a jackpot. Rutweek Panchal, 27, who has been on several such trip said travelling during this time of the year one can find a mini India in casinos.
“My entire group of six will be going to Malaysia. We have specially planned our vacation during this time to experience the pleasure of gambling with Indians there,” said Panchal.
Rajiv Mewada (name changed), a resident of Rajkot said he is very passionate about gambling.
“Every year I bet lakhs of rupees when I play with my friends and neighbours. I even forget to eat and sleep for two days. But this time I would like to try my luck at casinos in Hong Kong and have booked a five-day trip along with my family,” said Mewada.
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