The annual ‘Ashadhi Jaat’ festival has successfully concluded at the Tripurasundari Bhagwati Temple in Dasharathchand Municipality Ward No. 8, Baitadi. This traditional festival, celebrated every year on the Ashadh Shukla Paksha Ashtami and Navami, attracts devotees from both Nepal and the neighboring Indian regions.
Resident Rajendra Singh Thapa provided insights into the festival’s timing and rituals. The festival begins on the eighth day (Ashtami) following the start of Ashadh Shukla Paksha and concludes on the ninth day (Navami). This year, the festivities commenced yesterday.
The rituals involve bringing the sacred items from Tripurasundari’s storeroom to the temple on Ashtami, followed by a procession on Navami where the deity’s idol is taken to Kapadi village. After the procession, the idol is returned and placed on the throne at the temple.
The ‘Ashadhi Jaat’ festival draws not only local devotees but also pilgrims from nearby Indian regions such as Jhula Ghat and Pithoragarh. This year was no exception, with many Indian visitors attending the festival.
In addition to the Ashadhi Jaat, the Tripurasundari Bhagwati Temple also hosts similar festivals with offerings on Kartik Shukla Ashtami and Navami, as well as Ashadh Shukla Ashtami and Navami. The temple is also a focal point for celebrations during the Navaratri festival in Ashoj and Chaitra Dashain.
The Tripurasundari Bhagwati, revered locally as Ranashaini Bhagwati, holds significant cultural and religious importance for the local community. The festivals and rituals performed at this temple are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of the region.
