Gosaikunda fair attracting visitors

By Our Correspondent, Nuwakot, Aug. 6: The Gosaikunda fair, which is held every year from the day of Nag Panchami to Janai Purnima, has started this year from Tuesday.

With the beginning of the fair, hundreds have started flocking to the lake located in Rasuwa district, according to the Gosaikunda Area Development Committee. The Committee estimates that the pilgrimage site, known in Kathmandu as Silu, will attract around 15,000 devotees this year because the roads are not blocked, the foot trails are in good condition and the weather is clear. Last year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 10,000 people visited the area.

Bathing in the lake and worshipping Gosai Baba Lord Shiva is believed to cleanse people of their sins, liberate the spirits of their ancestors and fulfil their wishes.

There are four foot trails to go to Gosaikunda from Dhunche, Thadopati, Yarsa and Sagarkunda. Those travelling from Kathmandu can reach Dhunche by bus and then walk to Gosaikunda via Chandanbari and Lauribinayak.

Nishan Gajurel, president of the Hotel Association of Rasuwa, the hotels in Dhunchebazaar, Ghattekhola, Khendi, Deurali, Dimsa, Chandanbari, Chyolangpati, Lauribinayak and Gosainkunda are ready to serve travellers. However, more than 70 temporary sheds still need to be constructed to serve the arriving pilgrims.

The Gosaikunda Lake is believed to have been formed from the water that flowed from the side of mountain when God Shiva hit it with his trident. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva is supposed to have drunk the poison that came out during the great churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). The poison, however, burned his throat and he came to the Himalayas seeking water to cool it. When he did not find it, he hit a mountain with his trident and water (Gangajal) flowed from it and collected in a pool that became Gosaikunda. 

In addition to Janai Purnima, worshippers also gather at the lake on the day of Ganga Dasahara.