By Our Correspondent
Charikot, Nov. 3: Bhoot Pokhari, which literally means the Ghost Pond, is a religiously important body of water in Jiri Municipality - 1. It is a scenic location at an altitude of 4,473 metres in the middle of a beautiful forest that can become a tourism centre. But nobody goes there. In fact, people are afraid to even look at the pond. This is because doing so is believed to invite the wrath of ghosts.
Ward No. 1 Chairman Lakpa Sherpa explained, “It is said that he who goes near the pond will get eaten by ghosts. That is why nobody dares go there, including me. The fear keeps everyone away.”
Because of this, only a few people have ever seen the pond. “Those who have seen it say that the pond’s water appears pitch black,” said Jung Gurung, chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) in Gaurishankar Gaunpalika. “That is why it is called Kaalo Pokhari (Black Pond).”
The pond also has “stars” which are supposed to be small lamp-like flashes of light. “There are up to seven such stars but it is hard to capture them on camera,” Gurung informed. “Also, not everyone gets to see the stars, only the most fortunate do. This is because the pond does not
like sound.”
According to locals, even the faintest noise can “annoy” the pond and it covers itself with a thick blanket of fog. It only stays open when there is absolute silence and no one around.
The pond has many names, all alluding to its various attributes. It is called Bhoot Pokhari because the sounds of dead people can allegedly be heard around it. It is called Kaalo Pokhari because the water is black as tar. Some locals have named it Baulaha Pokhari (Mad Pond) because its water seemingly goes mad, bubbling up and moving around, without any reason.
Yet, despite inciting fear, the pond is a culturally significant site for the people of Jiri. Every year, on the day of Janai Purnima, a huge fair is organised there. People believe that visiting the area fulfils their wishes. Going near the pond is both scary and difficult, so people worship with a trident from atop a nearby hill. It is said that people should not look back at the pond while returning home after worshipping.
They should also not make noise when around the pond lest it gets irritated and covers itself up with fog.
Regardless of the myths, the area holds great tourism potential which the local government is trying to develop. “We are preparing to build a trekking route from Solu to the pond through Gumdel and Bhandar,” ward chair Sherpa told The Rising Nepal, adding, “Gaurishankar Gaunpalika and Jiri Municipality are working together to establish our Bhoot Pokhari, Jata Pokhari and Panch Pokhari as attractive travel destinations. We have also
asked the federal and State governments for help.”