Mahankal Jatra of Bouddha observed

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 14: The Bouddhanath Area Development Committee celebrated the historic Boudhanath Mahankal Jatra by performing  worship of Mahankal through Lama, Bajracharya, and Brahmin priests to further promote religious harmony.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey and Defence Minister Manbir Rai observed the rituals, which were organised by the Bouddhanath Area Development Committee for the first time at the government level. Both ministers praised the committee’s efforts to uphold religious harmony.

On the festival day organised on Tuesday, after the ritual worship by Lama, Bajracharya, and Brahmin priests, the idol of Mahankal was placed on a palanquin and carried from Mahakal to Ramhiti, passing through Thimchuli, and then returned to Mahakal via Tushaal and Chuchchepati.

Mahankal is depicted in three forms—two-armed, four-armed, and six-armed—and is a significant deity in both Hinduism and Buddhism, revered as a fierce protector and a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Important temples dedicated to Mahakal are found throughout Nepal.

Among the three forms, the two-armed Mahankal festival is specifically organised in the Bouddha area.