Nestled in the serene hills of Baglung district in Gandaki Province, the Baglung Kalika Temple stands as a powerful symbol of Nepal’s spiritual heritage and a vital center for religious tourism. Every year, during the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Dashain, the temple becomes the heart of a grand religious fair, Chaitra Dashain Mela, that draws tens of thousands of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists from across Nepal and abroad.
Baglung Kalika Temple is one of Nepal’s most significant Shakti Peeths, dedicated to Goddess Kalika, a fierce and protective form of Goddess Durga. Historically associated with King Pratapi Narayan of the Parbat Kingdom, the temple is believed to hold immense tantric energy and spiritual power. Devotees believe that sincere worship at this temple can rid them of misfortunes, illnesses, and evil spirits, and bring blessings of strength, prosperity, and protection.
Chaitra Dashain, also known as Basanta Navaratri, is celebrated during the last nine days of Chaitra month (March–April), just before the start of the Nepali New Year. This festival is similar in essence to the more widely celebrated Bada Dashain in Ashwin, but it focuses more on spiritual purification and devotion.
The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, marking the sowing of jamara (barley sprouts) and the establishment of a sacred kalash. The most important days are Ashtami and Navami, when major rituals, offerings, and prayers are performed, followed by Dashami, which marks the conclusion with tika and blessings.
During the Chaitra Dashain Mela, the temple and its surroundings turn into a vibrant spiritual and cultural hub. Tantric and Vedic rituals are performed by priests and devotees throughout the festival. One of the most significant practices is animal sacrifice, traditionally goats and roosters, which are offered to Goddess Kalika as part of centuries-old rituals rooted in the Shakti tradition.
Devotees believe that such offerings appease the goddess and bring protection, prosperity, and fulfillment of wishes. The fair also includes devotional singing, trance dances performed by dhamis (spiritual healers), and various cultural programs. Traditional market stalls come alive with religious items, local food, and handmade crafts, while pilgrims and visitors take part in parikrama (circumambulation) around the temple.
Each year, over 150,000 people visit the Baglung Kalika Temple during this sacred period. Pilgrims often travel long distances on foot, demonstrating deep devotion and spiritual dedication. For many, the pilgrimage is a personal journey of faith and connection with divine power, while for others, it is a family and community tradition passed down through generations.
The importance of the Chaitra Dashain Mela extends beyond its religious aspect. It also plays a vital role in preserving local culture and fostering community bonds. From a tourism perspective, it holds tremendous potential. The event blends spiritual depth with cultural vibrancy, offering a unique experience to domestic and international tourists alike. The temple’s location, surrounded by scenic hills and close to popular sites like Pokhara and the Baglung Suspension Bridge, one of Nepal’s longest, makes it an appealing destination for pilgrimage, cultural, and adventure tourism.
To fully realize this potential, there is a need for better infrastructure, accommodation, sanitation, and tourism services. Promotion through digital platforms, integration into Nepal’s pilgrimage circuits, and collaboration with tour operators can help make Baglung Kalika Temple a prominent feature in Nepal’s spiritual tourism landscape.
The Baglung Kalika Temple and the annual Chaitra Dashain Mela are not only sacred religious sites but also vibrant cultural expressions of Nepal’s heritage. By respecting its spiritual significance and promoting it as a tourism destination with sustainability and cultural integrity, this sacred place can continue to inspire generations and contribute meaningfully to local livelihoods and national identity.
Written By: Som Nath Sapkota (Tourism Promoter for the Wales Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal)
