A traditional religious fair, known for its unique ritual of shouting out marriage wishes, was held today at Peri Bharani Lake in Annapurna Rural Municipality-7, Myagdi. The fair takes place annually on the occasion of Janai Purnima, drawing devotees from various localities.
According to Dutt Bahadur Purja, former chairperson of the Peri Bharani Conservation Committee, the ritual has been practiced for generations, where devotees visit the lake and temple from surrounding villages such as Gharamdi, Tikot, Rima, Aula, Shikh, Phalate, Chitre, Ghodepani, Ghar, Khivang, and even Pokhara.
“Since ancient times, it has been a tradition for unmarried boys aged 10 to 15 to shout out marriage wishes at Peri Bharani Lake. Devotees inform the boys of the names and wishes, and after shouting out the request to the deity, the boys draw water and soil from the lake and leave without looking back,” Purja explained. “Similarly, at the temple, unmarried youths from the Magar community perform the same ritual for the devotees.”
The lake is believed to fulfill wishes for children, education, employment success, and wealth, according to local beliefs. Purja noted that after their wishes are fulfilled, devotees offer sheep and goat sacrifices as a form of gratitude. Dalbir Pariyar, a resident of Tikot, Annapurna-7, mentioned that he has visited the lake thrice to offer prayers after his wishes were fulfilled.
The lake, surrounded by a dense rhododendron forest, is known for its unique characteristic of being free of fallen leaves, despite the surrounding foliage, a feature highlighted by Amrit Garbuja, chairperson of Gharamdi Tole Development Institution in Annapurna-7.
With breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri mountains in the background, the area around Peri Bharani Lake is also developing as a trekking destination. Garbuja emphasized the need to complete the construction of the surrounding trekking trails and continue the effort to remove weeds from the lake.
Peri Bharani Lake is accessible within an hour’s northwest walk from Ghodepani, a renowned stop on the Annapurna Circuit. The lake is connected by three roads from Ghodepani, Mahabhir-Gharamdi, and Khivang villages. Additionally, separate three-kilometer cycling and horseback riding routes have been constructed.
Ward Chairperson Mailan Pun of Annapurna-7 mentioned ongoing efforts to upgrade the roads, maintain cleanliness, and complete the trekking trails connecting Peri Bharani Lake. The lake remains a significant attraction on the Annapurna-Dhaulagiri Community Eco-Trail.