The Indra Daha fair, held at the historic and religious site of Indra Daha, has drawn large crowds of devotees. Located in the western part of the district, Indra Daha is known for its religious, cultural, natural, and mythological significance, attracting devotees for bathing and worship.
According to legend, Lord Indra, the king of gods, bathed in this pond, which has led to the tradition of holding the fair every year the day after the Indra Jatra festival. Chandragiri Municipality Mayor Ghanashyam Giri shared that from early morning, devotees have been arriving at the site to bathe and offer prayers in reverence to this belief.
The mayor noted that arrangements have been made to ensure smooth access for worshippers, with an estimated 20,000 people expected to attend the fair by evening. Religious tourists from Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and surrounding areas have been flocking to the event, Giri added.
To prevent any mishaps, a special lighting ceremony was held on Tuesday evening at the pond and surrounding area. The fairground also features artistic sculptures, including one of the serpent king Vasuki, near the temples of Indrayani and Narayan.
Mayor Giri highlighted that the fair has grown in popularity due to the historical and religious importance of Indra Daha, which is located about nine kilometers from Kalanki. To ensure a well-organized event, over 100 volunteers, including local representatives and security personnel, have been deployed.
It is believed that bathing in the waters of Indra Daha and worshipping the nearby statue of Lord Indra cleanses devotees of their sins. According to former ward chairperson Rajendra K.C., the Indra Daha area spans approximately 200 ropanis. With ongoing infrastructure developments such as a view tower, road upgrades, and a multi-purpose building, there are expectations that the site will see increased numbers of domestic religious tourists in the future.
