Fair begins at Ninglasaini Bhagwati Temple in Baitadi

By Our Correspondent,Baitadi, Sept. 28: A religious fair has begun at the Ninglasaini Bhagwati Temple in Dehimandu of Dashrathchand Municipality-2, Baitadi in Sudurpaschim on Wednesday. 

The fair is observed each year from the 12th to the 14th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadra. 

There is a tradition of taking food grain from the temple's store on the first day and staying awake throughout the night. 

During the fair, rallies of people riding horses come to the temple from Baitadi and Sworad areas of the district. Meanwhile, the sudden change in climate, as it turns foggy immediately when each rally arrives at the temple, is the main attraction of the fair. 

Similarly, the Hinglo (traditional swing) placed in the courtyard of the temple is also taken as the special feature of the fair. It is believed that the tradition of erecting the swing began in the 14th century. Devdatta Bhatta, a priest at the temple, informed that there was a tradition of bringing rallies to the temple to commemorate the justice given by Ninglasaini Bhagwati in ancient times. It is also believed that one's wishes come true after visiting the temple.

Pilgrims from Darchula, Dadeldhura and Bajhang districts come to visit the temple. Even some Indian pilgrims also come to observe the fair.  

Throughout the year, 84 special rituals are performed in the temple. These rituals occur on the first day of the Nepali New Year, Ananta Chaturdasi, Mahaashtami of Dashain, Full Moon day of Mangsir, Dhanya Purnima (Full Moon), Ashtami of Chaitra and other days. On the occasion of Mahaashtami and Chaitraashtami, animals are sacrificed in the temple. 

Surya Bahadur Bohara, the ward chair of Ward No.3 of the municipality, said that they had declared a no-alcohol zone near the temple area to make the fair grand and successful and eliminate anomalies.