Devotees flock to Geruka Mela

By Ajay Shah, Gaushala (Mahottari), May 27: Devotees have flocked to the month-long Geruka Mela, which is deeply connected to the religious and cultural life of Madhes Province.

The fair, which is held once every three years during the Purushottam month (Malmas), began on May 17 and the Piparari area in Loharpatti Municipality-4, Mahottari, has been crowded with devotees.

Located on the border of Dhanusha and Mahottari districts, Geruka Dham attracts thousands of devotees from early morning for holy bathing and worship. This religious site, believed to be linked to the history of the Ramayana, is considered a centre of ancient faith in the Mithila region.

According to local beliefs and religious texts, even Sita is said to have bathed in the Geruka River. This is why the people of Mithila consider the river highly sacred.

It is believed that bathing here, especially during the Purushottam month, frees devotees from sins, fulfils their wishes, and brings spiritual merit.

On the occasion of the fair’s inauguration, idols of Lord Ram and Sita were taken to the Geruka River, where a special puja was performed under the leadership of the Janaki Temple in Janakpurdham.

According to local resident Tapeshwor Yadav, the tradition of holding fairs at Geruka Dham dates back hundreds of years.

He said there is a popular belief that the Geruka Mahakumbha Fair has been held at this Dham, located at the confluence of the Kantawan River and the Uttarbahini River, since ancient times.

Thousands of devotees from all eight districts of Madhesh Province, as well as from the Indian state of Bihar, visit the site daily. It is estimated that thousands more devotees will take a holy bath during the fair. Locals said that Sundays and Tuesdays are expected to witness particularly large crowds.

Experts say that the Geruka festival is not only a centre of religious faith but also an important symbol of Mithila civilisation and cultural identity. During the fair, the entire area transforms into a religious celebration filled with hymns and kirtans along the riverbanks, sermons by saints, and collective worship.

The religious fair has also positively impacted the local economy. Traders said temporary markets operate during the fair, boosting the trade of sweets, clothes, and local dishes. Hotels, transportation services, and small businesses also earn good income during the period.

However, locals complain that Geruka Dham lacks the necessary infrastructure. They say there are inadequate arrangements for well-maintained roads, parking, drinking water, toilets, rest areas, and health services.

The local administration said it has mobilised temporary police support units, health camps, and volunteers to ensure the safety of devotees.

Shailendra Kumar Yadav, Mayor of Loharpatti Municipality, informed that discussions are underway to formulate a long-term development plan for Geruka Dham.

.According to scholars of Mithila culture, Geruka Dham is an important centre of religious faith, cultural continuity, and social unity. Despite the expansion of modern lifestyles, the Geruka Mela shows that people’s faith in traditional religious beliefs remains strong.