Pilgrims honour ancestors on the final day of Sorha Shraddha

By Hari Krishna Sharma,Muktinath, Sept. 22: On the last day of Sorha Shraddha, which falls on Sunday, people gathered at the sacred site of Kagbeni in Mustang’s Baragung Muktichhetra-4 to perform Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pindadan in memory of their departed ancestors.

More than 1,000 people performed Tarpan at the banks of the Kali Gandaki River on Sunday, the last day of Shraddha, according to Guru Pratap Acharya of the Muktinath Annadaan Area Sant Sewa Ashram.     

Acharya said, “There is a belief that performing Pindadan on the new moon day of Sorha Shraddha before Dashain leads to liberation. Hindus from Nepal, as well as neighboring India, have come to Kagbeni.”

He further stated that the confluence of the Kali Gandaki River, flowing from Damodar Kunda, and the Gandaki River, flowing from the 108 streams of Muktinath, is regarded as holy in scriptures such as the Padma Purana and Barha Purana. Performing Shraddha, Tarpan, bathing, and eating here is believed to grant liberation.

The arrival of devotees has increased visitor activity in the hotels of Kagbeni, Muktinath, and Jomsom.

Karma Ghyacho Gurung, Ward Chairperson, stated that arrangements have been made in coordination with the Mustang District Police Office to facilitate devotees coming to perform Shraddha. The police have also tightened security measures targeting pilgrims and tourists.

Those unable to reach Kagbeni on the auspicious day of Badadashain may visit on Chaita Dashain to offer Tarpan in memory of their deceased ancestors.

Apart from Nepalese devotees, a large number of Indian Hindus visiting the Muktinath temple go to Kagbeni in Mustang.