Larumba: Centre of religious faith and political power

By Bishnu Prasad Pokharel,Damak, Dec. 11: Larumba located in Mangsebung Rural Municipality -5, Ilam, has gained both religious and political prominence in recent years.  Larumba, which is around 20 kilometres away from Damak in Jhapa, is now a holy site not only for the followers of Kiranti religion but  also is increasingly recognised as a hub for people with any spiritual faith. 

Every year, high-ranking government officials visit this place. Over the past decade, the President, Prime Minister and Ministers have visited this place. Larumba has transformed into a religious site since 1978 after Aatmananda Lingden arrived here from Ibhang, a small village next to the holy site. Since then, the area has witnessed a significant increase in religious activities. 

Hemanta Rai, Chairman of Mangsebung Rural Municipality, stated that Larumba is getting recognition as a centre for studying the religious scriptures of the Kirant community. Its significance is rising with the regular visits of top national leaders and high-ranking government officials.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of religious Guru Aatmanand Lingden, various programmes were held throughout the week. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' had initially confirmed his attendance, but he had to cancel at the last minute due to foreign travel commitments. 

However, the Minister for Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati attended the programme.

Minister Kirati, who came to participate in the programme on December 4, said that Larumba could be developed as Nepal's first vegetarian religious tourist spot and promised that the government would support it. 

Mangsebung Rural Municipality and neighbouring Mai Municipality declared a public holiday to observe the birthday of the religious guru. 

Dig Bahadur Limbu, Minister for Youth and Sports, participated in the closing ceremony of the 16th Aatmanand Cup football tournament held on December 3. During the event, he promised the government's support for the development of Larumba area.

It is reported that over 100 devotees from America arrived in Larumba this year to participate in the birthday celebration of the religious guru. Sukman Suhang, the coordinator of the visiting team, said that representatives and devotees from 36 states of America visited Mangsebung.

A delegation led by Raju Idhingo, Chairman of the Kirant Community Organisation, and San Nemwang, the UK representative, visited the area. 

Kehersin Yonghang, Chairman of the Kirant Chotlung Muhingum Angseemanggenna Service Committee, noted that the number of both Kiranti and non-Kiranti devotees visiting Larumba is on the rise each year. 

Annually, on November 11 and December 4, hundreds of Kirat religious pilgrims travel to the region, particularly from Nepal, Bhutan, India, Burma, and other countries. November 11 marks the birth anniversary of Falgunanda, the late Guru of Kirants, while December 4 is the birthday of  Guru Aatmananda.

The journey from Damak to Larumba has now become more convenient. Sushsan Rai, the Spokesperson for Mangsebung Rural Municipality, said, “It now takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Larumba from Damak.” He further noted that more than 100,000 tourists visit the area annually.