The traditional 18-kosh (about 54 km) Bagmati pilgrimage from Katuwal Daha to Bagdwar the source of Kathmandu Valley’s civilization will not be held this year either. The journey, once halted for 40 years due to Bagmati River pollution, was revived in 2075 BS and 2076 BS (2018 and 2019 AD) during the tenure of Dr. Pradeep Dhakal as Member Secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust.
Traditionally, all rituals during the pilgrimage are led by Pashupati Agam Ghar’s priest Madan Bhatt. The originally 17-day pilgrimage was shortened to 7 days in 2075 and conducted over 9 days in 2076.
Although the Trust had planned to gradually restore it to the full 17 days starting 2077 BS, the journey has not taken place since then. Locals say it was first canceled due to COVID-19, but later due to the disinterest of the Trust. Ishwor Man Rajbhandari, acting head of the Culture Division at the Trust, confirmed that no preparations are in place for the pilgrimage this year either.
The pilgrimage traditionally includes visits, bathing, and worship at 165 sacred riverbank sites mentioned in the ancient Himavat Khand scriptures. It is believed that the pilgrimage was originally initiated by the sage Nemuni, with tantric rituals performed at various sites along the Bagmati River. The Trust says the pilgrimage helps raise awareness about keeping the Bagmati clean, and its continued cancellation could hinder purification efforts.
