By Nabin Sishir BK, Baglung, Apr. 21: The famous Kalika Bhagawati temple in Banglung has seen a huge crowd on the occasion of Chaite Dashain during the second wave of coronavirus in the country.

Since morning devotees and other people who wished something by offering the sacrifice of animals had crowded the temple. The temple had no devotees the previous on this festival as the government had imposed a strict lockdown.

A member of Kalika Bhagawati Guthi Management Committee, Nisan Khadka has said that despite the government’s recommendation to adhere to strict social distancing protocols a large number of devotees were still present. “There has no mandate asking for worshipping at temples to stop, the government has only asked people to follow social distancing protocols. However, we made it mandatory for pilgrims to wear a mask and apply hand sanitiser.

To manage the crowding in the temple Nepal police and armed police were heavily deployed. Various students arrived at the temple from the headquarters of the Baglung district to provide devotees with a mask. Khadka further added that the use of a mask, a temperature check, and hand sanitizing was implemented at the entry point of the temple.

This year a fair had been organised for the Chaitra Astami festival before the second wave of the coronavirus broke out. Various Business persons have nevertheless are selling their commodities outside the temple.

The followers of Hinduism flock from various parts of the country and neighbouring India as they consider the Kalika Bhagawati temple to be sacred. The pilgrims offer prayers to Kalika Bhagawati Goddess.

The temple situated in Baglung municipality 2 was established around 1534 AD. Kalika temple is often visited during Chaitra Dashain and Bada Dashain. The devotees believe that the goddess is known for fulfilling one’s wishes so people often fast. Various animals are bought where they are sacrificed as an offering. However, the use of pigeons as a sacrifice has been prohibited.