Allahabad: The Magh Mela of Allahabad has a unique attraction this time – a baba who solves problems using latest instant messaging service- WhatsApp.
The Naga sadhu has now become famous as ‘WhatsApp Baba' but his actual name is Durgeshwar Giri.
‘WhatsApp' has become the main tool for Baba to interact with his disciples. He uses the latest Apple Android Phone. He gives darshan to his disciples on WhatsApp, delivers sermons and even listens to problems of his followers through WhatsApp only.
It is this exclusivity of the Naga Sadhu that has made him famous throughout the fair. People flock to him from all around. He has become so popular that almost everyone in the Magh Mela township seems to know him.
“Although the physical presence of the baba is not required but still his disciples prefer to see him face to face,” a volunteer told a newspaper.
Durgeshwar Giri's entire Ashram is working on WhatsApp and messages regarding his routines are posted on regular basis. Those who cannot come to Ashram for sermons can get it through WhatsApp.
‘WhatsApp Baba' has become so popular that people are flocking to markets in Allahabad to get internet-enabled phones only to interact with ‘WhatsApp baba.'
‘WhatsApp Baba' may have created a buzz in Allahabad this year but he is not the only sadhu to use technology for connecting with disciples.
Infact, most of the sadhus, saints and akharas of Magh Mela are active on social networking sites and using these to fullest in order to spread their fan-following. Some of them have even gone to an extent of hiring PR agencies in order to promote their business.
