This is a recent experience I would like to share with all of you. We had decided to take Nevaan and Katya to Shirdi. So as usual Gauri planned everything well in advance. She did all the bookings including renting a car. Yes, we travelled by road. Everyone warned us about the bad roads. Well we are used to such roads but on a long journey and that too with our angels it was a different ball game. We decided to go via Pune so that we could take a break there and the kids could relax before proceeding for the rest of the trip. As planned we left from Mumbai at 6 am. The kids were both happy and confused probably wondering where we were all going early morning. Luckily the driver was very good and we were in Pune by 10 am. After a break of two and a half hours, we left Pune and reached Shani Shingnapur by 4 pm. Usually, Shirdi comes first and then on the way back people go to Shani Shingnapur. We also do that but we lost our way and we reached Shingnapur first. Before we could reach the temple we were hounded by guys on motorbikes. These were guys of various stalls like flowers, puja saaman, prasad walas etc. We refused them politely and reached the temple. As we got out of the car again the same thing happened as these guys started telling us to visit their stalls first to avail of discounts! Excuse me, everything seems to have turned into a money-making business. This was the most upsetting part. We finished our darshan and then proceeded towards Shirdi. Again, the same thing happened. In fact, here the guys were ready to even take us inside and get the darshan in no time! The deal was ‘pay up and jump the queue’! I felt somehow Shirdi has begun losing its charm. I think a religious place or a temple should be free from all these things. Everything has become commercial. I happened to speak to a local guy and he too didn’t seem happy with the goings-on. He said development was good but within a limit. I totally agree with him. And we left Shirdi to reach home. The roads were good and Nevaan and Katya were good too throughout the journey. They were fed and slept through most of it. We reached home at 4 am and couldn’t thank the driver enough who drove us home and back safely. Disclaimer: the views expressed in this column are those of the author and TellyChakkar does not necessarily subscribe to the same.