On the first Monday of Shrawan, devotees are pouring into Shiva temples across the country for worship. The bustling activity is particularly noticeable at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where pilgrims have been lining up since early morning. According to Rewati Ram Adhikari, spokesperson for the Pashupati Area Development Trust, the temple has been open to worshippers from 3:30 AM, with three separate lines organized for the convenience of the devotees. Women followers of Hinduism observe this day by fasting and performing rituals to honor Lord Shiva.
Devghat: In Chitwan, the sacred site of Devghat is seeing a significant influx of devotees, estimated at around 35,000, according to Sadan Baral, Executive Director of the Devghat Area Development Committee. Despite recent disruptions caused by a bus accident and ongoing rains, the annual pilgrimage to Devghat remains a major event during Shrawan.
Baglung: The Shiva temples in Baglung have been crowded with worshippers since early morning. At Galeshwar in Myagdi, devotees are notably present, reflecting the significance of this day, especially in the temple known as the gateway to Muktinath. Madhav Prasad Regmi, Chairman of the Galeshwar Area Development Fund, highlighted that special arrangements have been made for the day. Similar scenes are observed at other temples in Baglung, including Gaudidham and various temples in Khatkhola and Gulkot.
Jhapa: In Jhapa, devotees have been arriving early to perform water offerings at several temples including Arjundhara, Shivasatakshi, and others. Manoj Joshi, Treasurer of the Arjundhara Dhama Committee, noted that various organizations have collaborated to provide water, sherbat, and prasad to the pilgrims.
Mithila: In Mahottari, temples in the Mithila region are bustling with activity as devotees gather for the Shrawan Monday celebrations. At the Tuteshwar Nath Temple in Bardibas, worshippers have been arriving since early morning. Kahar Man Syangwa, Chairman of the Festival Management Committee, reported that the festival coordination has been taken over by the Bardibas Municipality’s Culture and Tourism Promotion Committee this year. The Chief Minister of Province 2, Satish Kumar Singh, emphasized the potential for boosting the local economy through the development and promotion of the temple.
Pindeshwor: In Dharan, Pindeshwor has become a focal point for the Bolbam Festival starting from Shrawan 1. Devotees have been arriving since 3 AM to perform water offerings with water brought from the confluence of the Sapta Koshi River. Pankaj Ghimire, Treasurer of the Pindeshwor Baba Dham Committee, mentioned that the number of visitors continues to rise annually, with an estimated 300,000 expected over the month-long festival.
As the first Monday of Shrawan unfolds, temples across Nepal are witnessing a vibrant display of devotion, underscoring the cultural and religious significance of this auspicious day.
