The historic third edition of the Gahawa Mai Rath Yatra was celebrated today with great fervor and religious enthusiasm in Birgunj, marking a significant cultural and spiritual occasion for thousands of devotees from across the region. Organized by the Gahawa Mai Pilgrimage Area Development Committee, the yatra commenced at 7:30 AM and traversed through major parts of the city before concluding in the temple premises.
Religious Procession Through City Landmarks
The grand procession, accompanied by traditional musical bands, floats (jhankis), DJs, and devotional chants, began from the courtyard of the Gahawa Mai Mandir, one of the most revered temples in Birgunj. The sacred chariot carrying the deity moved through key city landmarks, including Ghantaghar, Railway Road, the statue of late Girija Prasad Koirala, Shreeram Cinema Hall, Birtamai Durga Temple, Alakhia Math, Ranisati Temple, Adarshanagar, and Mahavir Temple, before returning to the temple, completing a symbolic circumambulation of the town.
The event, held annually on the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha Dwitiya) of Ashadh, witnessed an overwhelming presence of devotees from all walks of life, including women, children, saints, and spiritual seekers.
Record-Breaking Turnout of Devotees
Chairperson of the organizing committee, Shyam Kumar Pokharel, expressed immense satisfaction with the scale and discipline of the event. “For the past two years, the Gahawa Mai Rath Yatra has seen the participation of over 50,000 devotees,” he said. “This year, we estimate the number has surpassed previous records, likely reaching over one lakh.”
Dr. Purushottam Dube, coordinator of the Religious Coordination Sub-Committee, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the religious and cultural significance of the event. “This is more than just a festival, it’s a spiritual movement that reflects the faith of our people,” he said.
Peaceful and Well-Coordinated Event
According to Kishor Lamsal, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Parsa, the entire event was conducted in a peaceful and harmonious manner. “There were no reports of disruptions or safety issues, and our security deployment ensured a safe environment for all,” he noted.
Lokraj Bhatta, Chief of District Traffic Police, mentioned that although the procession concluded smoothly, managing traffic flow remained a challenge due to the sheer volume of pilgrims. “We deployed traffic officers across major intersections to regulate movement and avoid congestion. It may take some time before normalcy is fully restored,” he added.
Organized Through Nine Sub-Committees
To ensure proper management and cultural integrity of the event, the organizing committee had established nine sub-committees, each responsible for various aspects such as security, logistics, health, decoration, media, and religious coordination.
Dr. Dube highlighted that this year’s event stood out not just because of the scale, but also the deeper cultural and spiritual engagement. “Just as Jagannath Puri in India holds significance for its Rath Yatra, we are nurturing a similar tradition in Birgunj through Gahawa Mai. Our aim is to turn it into a major spiritual and tourism attraction for Madhesh Pradesh and beyond.”
Spiritual Significance and Cultural Impact
Gahawa Mai Temple holds a revered place in the hearts of the people of Birgunj. Considered one of the oldest temples of the region, it symbolizes the divine feminine energy and is deeply associated with the cultural and spiritual roots of the community. According to Dr. Dube, the Rath Yatra is being carried out not only to celebrate religious traditions but also to preserve and transmit Nepal’s ancient heritage to the younger generation.
“Our religion, culture, and traditions are our identity. Through events like the Rath Yatra, we are connecting the youth with their roots and creating awareness about our spiritual heritage,” he said.
Upcoming Festivities and Prasad Distribution
In continuation of the religious observances, the committee has planned a special Bhog and Bhandara (prasad distribution) on Ashadh 14 (July 28). The event will include the offering of 56 different types of food items to the deity, followed by large-scale free food distribution to devotees and visitors, a practice believed to bring blessings and spiritual merit.
The Gahawa Mai Rath Yatra has increasingly become one of the most celebrated religious events in Madhesh Pradesh, drawing not only local residents but also pilgrims and tourists from neighboring districts and Indian border towns.
A New Hub for Spiritual Tourism
The organizers hope that with consistent efforts and support from local government and tourism bodies, Gahawa Mai Temple and its annual Rath Yatra could soon gain national recognition as a key spiritual tourism site. “We believe this event holds the potential to boost the local economy, promote cultural tourism, and reinforce Birgunj’s identity as a city of faith and heritage,” Dr. Dube stated.
As the city returns to its usual rhythm after today’s celebrations, the lingering chants, vibrant colors, and spiritual energy of the Gahawa Mai Rath Yatra continue to echo in the hearts of those who participated in this sacred journey.
