The indigenous Tharu community has long worshipped Bikram Baba, and in recent times, people from all communities have also adopted this deity as a spiritual center. The Bikram Baba temple, located beneath a tree in Chitwan National Park, is now frequented by people from both Terai and hill communities.
Sant Kumar Chaudhary, Secretary of the Tharu Welfare Society Chitwan, and a journalist explained that initially, only the Gurau clan of the Tharu community worshipped Bikram Baba, but now other Tharu sub-communities also visit for worship. He mentioned that the traditional rituals are being altered and that people now offer sacrifices right from the start, whereas previously, sacrifices were made after prayers were completed.
The worshippers often pray for children, and after having a child, they name them based on their gender. Boys are named “Bikram,” while girls are named “Bikrimiya.” The practice of offering sacrifices, including animals like goats, has traditionally been done at the temple. However, the practice has evolved, and now sacrifices are being taken home.
The annual worship and fair at Bikram Baba will take place from the 16th of Chaitra, Saturday, with preparations managed by local community groups and supported by the Chitwan National Park and the Nepalese Army. Security and arrangements have been made to accommodate an estimated 800,000 devotees, with parking and market management also in place. The fair will run until the 30th of Chaitra, and the prayers will be held from 7 AM to 5 PM, while the fair will open from 6 AM to 8 PM.
