Inadequate fund affects organistion of Khadga Jatra

BY BABURAM SHARMA

Dolakha, Oct, 11: Organising Khadga Jatra, the traditional religious festival of the historical city of Dolakha, has become difficult because of lack of fund. 

Since the establishment of the democratic republic system in the country, Guthi operators have stopped paying their dues, which has resulted in financial crisis to conduct the festival. 

This year, Bhimeshwar Puja and Guthi Management Committee has provided assistance of around Rs. 600,000 for the Jatra, said Suresh Kumar Shrestha, secretary of the committee.  

The procession had been organised with the fund provided by the Guthi operators since the death of King Indradev Singh of Dolakha in 1590 BS. It was held with personal contribution for a few years. 

Now, the money that comes from sacrificial offerings to Bhimeshwar is hardly enough to manage expense of Khadga Jatra. 

“It will be stopped one day if there is no support from the Guthi committees,” Shrestha added.  

According to the tradition, Khadga Jatra is observed from morning to evening on the day of Ekadashi, a day after Bijaya Dashami.

During the procession, the participants of all age groups dance wearing white Daura-Suwal, jama, yellow jamara garland, playing the local Kusula baja (traditional music) and wielding swords. 

According to a legend, after the demons started tormenting the gods and humans in various ways, a meeting of the gods decided to fight against the demon, king Mahishasura. 

It is said that on the first day of the war, the gods and goddesses reached Kalinchok Bhagawati for the war. 

The gods and goddesses started a Yagya in front of Tindhara at Raiti in Dolakha city. 

It is believed that the war between the gods and the demons started after the demons came there and trampled the Yagya mandapa. 

It is said that on the last day of the war, on the day of Vijaya Dashami, the gods and goddess achieved victory by killing Mahishasura.