Vibrant religious fairs enliven Karnali

By Netra Shahi,Jumla, Sept. 15: The vibrant religious fairs rooted in the Masto tradition of Khas culture are in full swing across Jumla, marking the start of a series of significant celebrations in the Karnali region. 

These fairs, which hold both historical and religious importance, officially began on Janaipurnima or Raksha Bandhan (the day of the full moon in the month of Shrawan of Nepali calendar), with ceremonies held in various temples dedicated to numerous deities.

The festivities have drawn large crowds as villagers gather to play Deuda and participate in the celebrations. The fair’s popularity has surged, with devotees arriving from outside the district and the event gaining momentum through mid-October.

Recently, Kalasilla Kalika Puja was completed at several locations, including Badki in Hima Rural Municipality-1 and Bishtawada in Sinja Rural Municipality-2. 

Dhami Bhakta Bahadur Shahi from Hima Rural Municipality informed that this year’s fair was particularly grand, with over 5,000 religious tourists participating at the Badki Kalasilla shrine alone.

These fairs are not only a showcase of local traditions but also serve as a significant attraction for domestic tourists, boosting local economic activities. 

The fairs, held across various districts of Karnali, involve the worship of numerous clan deities, including Bahrabhai Masto, Wabira, Mahadev, Bhairavanath, Kailash, Kalika, Malika, Kalasilla, Hryangre Lakhudo, Rahadev and Jhyadev.

Durga Bahadur Bam from Birendranagar, who currently resides in Surkhet and Bakhat Bahadur Bam from Khin in Kalikot have attended the Kalasilla fair. 

They said the devotees from various districts including Kalikot, Mugu and Jajarkot attended the event. 

Kul Puja, the worship of clan deities, is also being performed across the district, resulting in large crowds at religious shrines.

The fairs continue until Kartik Sukla Purnima, the full moon day of Kartik (November-December), with several large mass fairs being organised. 

This week alone, fairs are scheduled in Ward No. 2 Dewargaon and Ward No. 3 Jogiwada of Hima Rural Municipality.

Karnali is a hub for diverse religious traditions, including the Mesto tradition. Religious experts have urged concerned authorities to promote the festival.

Hima Rural Municipality’s Chairman Laxman Bahadur Shahi underscored the need to promote these festivals and highlighted the local government’s focus on improving essential infrastructure to promote religious tourism.

Likewise, Sinja Rural Municipality introduced the Kedarnath religious fair two years ago. At Chandannath Temple, a tradition of placing the Shiva linga on the day of Ghatasthapana (marking the beginning of Dashain) continues. 

The Sinja region also hosts several fairs, attracting thousands of devotees. These festivals not only offer spiritual enrichment but also serve as a platform for local communities to showcase their cultural heritage and traditions.