A government delegation from Bajura has begun its annual pilgrimage to Badimalika, one of Nepal’s prominent religious and tourism destinations, carrying ceremonial offerings for the main worship ceremony. The official journey formally began after prayers were performed at Malika Temple in Martadi, the district headquarters. The delegation was sent off with traditional music, security honors and religious rituals. Women and Panchakanya (five auspicious unmarried girls) welcomed the team with flower garlands and carried decorated baskets of jamara (barley shoots) as part of the traditional farewell ceremony.
Government Delegation Begins Three-Day Journey
The integrated government delegation is led by Badimalika Municipality, Bajura, Mayor Amar Bahadur Khadka, Deputy Mayor Nanda Thapa, and District Police Chief Shaileshwari Bohara, according to Chief District Officer Dorendra Niraula. Although pilgrims from different parts of Nepal and neighboring India have already started arriving in the Badimalika, Bajura, and Budhinanda areas, the official government pilgrimage began today. The district administration has emphasized security arrangements, particularly as the police chief is accompanying the delegation.
The government team is scheduled to reach Sota Patan on the first day, Triveni Patan on the second day, and Badimalika Temple, Bajura on the third day. Badimalika Municipality has also declared a public holiday to mark the departure of the official team.
A separate government delegation had already departed for Budhinanda on Sunday. According to local religious tradition, pilgrims are expected to begin their journey to both Badimalika and Budhinanda several days before the main worship ceremony.
Badimalika Draws Pilgrims Through Faith and Natural Beauty
Badimalika, Bajura is not only an important religious pilgrimage site but also a major attraction for visitors interested in high-altitude landscapes and Himalayan scenery. The region is home to 22 scenic patan (high-altitude meadows), as well as Khaptad-like grasslands, Triveni Dham, and other natural and religious attractions. The main worship at Badimalika and Budhinanda, along with more than a dozen other religious shrines across Bajura, is traditionally observed on Shukla Chaturdashi, the day before Janai Purnima. Devotees visit the sacred sites with the belief that prayers and offerings made there can help fulfill their wishes.
According to religious belief, Badimalika, Bajura is associated with the story of Goddess Sati, whose body is believed to have been carried across the world by Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that parts of Sati’s body fell at different locations and that divine manifestations later emerged at those sacred places. This belief forms an important part of Badimalika’s religious significance. The Badimalika temple itself stands at an altitude of around 4,200 meters, while the nearby Budhinanda pilgrimage site lies at approximately 4,888 meters above sea level.
Pilgrimage Rush Expected to Rise This Year
Local authorities expect the number of visitors to Badimalika to increase further this year as the pilgrimage season gains momentum. Because of the growing number of devotees, worship at Badimalika began earlier than usual, from Bhadra 1, to prevent large crowds from performing the main rituals on a single day. Government teams from Doti, Jumla, Kalikot and Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City had already begun their journeys to Badimalika. The Sudurpashchim Provincial Government also sent its own delegation with religious offerings on Sunday.
The main worship ceremony at Badimalika is scheduled for Bhadra 11, with Badimalika and Budhinanda traditionally regarded as sister pilgrimage sites. The annual gathering attracts devotees who come not only to perform religious rituals but also to experience the region’s dramatic mountain landscapes.
Connectivity and Tourism Interest Expand
This year, efforts are also underway to improve communication services in the Badimalika region. Nepal Telecom is installing a 4G tower to expand telephone and internet connectivity, which could make the remote pilgrimage destination more accessible to visitors and pilgrims. Badimalika has also received increased public attention in recent times because it combines religious importance, high-altitude landscapes and trekking potential.
Residents say the destination gained additional publicity after Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) referred to Badimalika as “Nepal’s Switzerland” during an election campaign in Dhangadhi. With its sacred traditions, vast alpine meadows, mountain scenery and growing infrastructure, Badimalika is increasingly emerging as both a major pilgrimage destination and a promising high-altitude tourism attraction in western Nepal.
