Visitors throng Salahesh Garden on Nepali New Year

Siraha, April 14: As usual, a grand festival was organized at the Salahesh Garden, a site of great historical and religious significance in Siraha. The event was held on the occasion of the Nepali New Year 2083 BS.

Visitors mainly gathered to observe and worship the Salahesh (Sunakhari), a rare garland-shaped white and yellow orchid (Dendrobium aphyllum), which is believed to bloom only once a year on Baisakh 1, the Nepali New Year. The garden, spread to around nine bighas of land (one bigha is roughly equivalent to 72,900 square feet) in Lahan Municipality–12, features these orchids in full bloom on the Haram tree.

The flower is regarded as a symbol of love between King Salahesh, a popular 14th-century king, and his beloved Malani. A large number of people from various districts of Nepal as well as bordering Indian cities visit the site to observe and worship the flower.

The Salahesh Fair Management Committee Chair Dashamilal Chaudhary stated that people have been standing in long queues since 4:00 am to worship at the temple located within the garden. King Salahesh is considered the Ishtadev (preferred deity) of the Paswan community in the Terai region. It is believed that wishes are fulfilled when one worships the Salahesh deity, those facing difficulties in having children may be blessed with one, and devotees may also be protected from various illnesses.

Security arrangements have been tightened in anticipation of large crowds. CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the fair area, and volunteers are assisting visitors with movement and crowd management.

Stakeholders have expressed concern that although the government has declared the area a new tourist destination, substantive development plans at the local level remain lacking. 

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Siraha President Pradip Kumar Gupta emphasized the need for coordinated action plans from all three tiers of government to effectively promote and develop the area.(RSS)