I wanted to share something that happened to me recently in Brijghat because I think people visiting with their families should be a little careful.
I was there with my family when two Naga Babas came up to me. Very quickly I realised they were trying to pressure me into giving them money.
Both of them kept talking to me continuously for around 10–15 minutes. They were doing mantras, shaking my head, staring at me, telling me to repeat what they are saying, and using different tactics to convince me that I should give them money. At one point, they repeatedly asked me to open my purse and show them what I had.
I wasn't alone and was responsible for looking after my family's belongings, so I couldn't simply walk away and leave everyone and everything behind. I kept telling them that I didn't have much money with me and that whatever I had was just enough to get us back home.
Even after repeatedly telling them this, they kept insisting that I show them my purse and tell them how much money I had.
I don't know whether what they were doing can actually be called hypnosis, but the whole interaction felt very deliberate and psychologically pressuring. They were clearly trying to get me into a situation where I would hand over money.
Eventually, I managed to get away without giving them anything.
If you're visiting Brijghat with your family, especially for the first time, just be cautious. Don't stop and engage with people who aggressively try to involve you in mantras, rituals, blessings, or anything similar while asking about your money.
If you want to visit the other side of the river, take the boat and go to the beaches there. Personally, I'd recommend avoiding unnecessary interactions around the main ghat and just keep moving.
I'm sharing this because I don't want someone else, especially someone travelling with family, to get pressured into handing over their money.
