Grand fair at Bhairabkunda every year on Janai Purnima

By Chitra Mijar,Sindhupalchowk, Aug. 18: Every year on Janaipurnima, a grand fair takes place in Bhairabkunda, located in the upper region of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality. 

Bhairabkunda a sacred lake revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, is a prominent religious tourism destination. It is considered a lake of faith and devotion by Hindus and Buddhists alike. 

The Sherpa community worships Bhairabkunda as Ama Chhyumen, which has made it well-known among the Sherpa community worldwide.

Bhairabkunda is situated at an elevation of 4,124 metres above sea level, at the base of the Phurbi Ghyachu Bhanyang, which itself is at an altitude of 6,567 metres. According to the data provided by the Department of Survey, the lake covers an area of 84,193 square metres. 

Below the lake is Nepal’s second-highest waterfall, Bhairabkunda Waterfall, which is 198 metres high. The natural beauty of Bhairabkunda and the waterfall captivate anyone. The Jugal Himal range can also be seen from this location, further attracting tourists.

Though reaching Bhairabkunda is a challenging task, the experience of its natural beauty makes the effort worthwhile, leading to a large number of tourists and devotees visiting the site.

To reach Bhairabkunda from Larcha on the Arniko Highway in Bhotekoshi, one must traverse a steep and difficult uphill path, requiring about two days of trekking. Along the way, one can stay in local homes or homestays and enjoy organic food.

During the trek, one can observe the lifestyle, culture, customs, attires and traditions of the Sherpa community. The journey to Bhairabkunda passes through various locations such as Daklang, Kaklang, Listimai (also known as Ugrachandi Bhagwati), Chhagam, Bagam, and Chokar Cliff.

Sangbu Lama (Raju), the chairperson of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-1, said that Bhairabkund can also be reached from the historic Dugunagadhi Fort, built during the reign of Jung Bahadur Rana to fight against Tibet. The fort was constructed around 1854 (1911 BS) during the Nepal-Tibet war.

Larcha, located 109 kilometres from the capital, can be reached via the Arniko Highway, and from there, Bhairabkund is a two-day trek. Currently, thousands of devotees are trekking to Bhairabkunda for the Janai Purnima pilgrimage and many have already reached the site. There is a legend that Lord Shiva and Parbati reside at Bhairabkunda.

Bhairab, the manifestation of lord Shiva, is considered a protector, and Bhairabkunda is considered a playground of Lord Shiva. "Thousands of devotees from all over the country visit Bhairavkunda on the day of Janaipurnima," said Lama.

Devotees flock to Bhairabkunda with the belief that their wishes will be fulfilled if they take a holy dip in Bhairabkunda on the day of Janaipurnima. Near Bhairabkunda is the famous religious site Deudhunga, which is 45 kilometres from Chaku on the Araniko Highway.

Due to the religious significance of Bhairabkunda and Deudhunga, millions of devotees visit these two sacred sites every year. 

Tourists from neighbouring countries like China and India, as well as from the West, also visit these sites. The fact that various parts of Tibet can be seen from Bhairabkunda and Deudhunga further entices tourists.

From Bhairabkunda, one can view Tibet’s Kuti, Khasa and the mountains of China. Even Bhaktapur in Kathmandu can be seen from there. Therefore, tourists from Europe, America and Japan visit the area between September and November, and between March and May.

These tourists often stay for a week to a month to observe the surrounding scenery of the area. Small hotels and local homes offer lodging and food, though many tourists bring their tents and food supplies.

In the surrounding forests, tourists can see rare wildlife such as tigers, bears, red pandas, snow leopards, and various birds. They can also see yaks and consume yak milk and dairy products, sometimes even staying in yak herder’s huts along the way. The area is also a habitat for rare wildlife.

Pasang Nrip Sherpa, Chairperson of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality said that they are working on proper trial management by building lodges, drinking water facilities and other essential amenities to facilitate travel to Bhairabkunda and Deudhunga.

 “We are fully focused on making tourist sites like Bhairabkund more organised. If we develop and promote Bhairabkund, it will economically benefit Bhotekoshi and Sindhupalchowk and bring global recognition,” Sherpa said.