On the occasion of Janai Purnima, devotees have thronged to the sacred lakes and shrines in the high-altitude regions, seeking blessings and performing rituals. From early morning, the holy sites in the mountainous areas of Myagdi district, including Annapurna Rural Municipality and Raghu Ganga Rural Municipality, have seen a significant increase in the number of worshippers.
Hundreds of devotees have visited Khayar Bharani in Poudwar, Annapurna-5, Rikhhar in Raghu Ganga-8, and Kalibaraha Lake in Ward 7. It is widely believed that prayers offered at the Varaha, Barahi, Bharani lakes, and temples in the Himalayan region on this auspicious day will fulfill one’s desires.
Rajesh Tilija Pun, the Ward Chairperson of Annapurna-5, reported that a large number of devotees, including many from neighboring districts, have gathered at the Khayar Bharani shrine, which is located at an altitude of 4,630 meters. According to Pun, the favorable weather conditions have contributed to an increase in the number of pilgrims compared to previous years.
“Reaching Khayar Lake requires at least two days of trekking. Some pilgrims began their journey four days ago. The growing reputation of Khayar Bharani has led to a yearly increase in the number of devotees, making it challenging to arrange temporary accommodations,” Pun explained.
Pilgrims traveling via Poudwar to Khayar Bharani have been accommodated in community lodges managed by a tourism cooperative in Khopra and temporary tents set up by the Khayar Bharani Area Conservation Committee. Additionally, temporary shelters have been established along the Khayar River to accommodate the influx of devotees.
Significant numbers of devotees have also gathered at Rikhhar, located at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters in Raghu Ganga-8, nestled in the lap of Mount Dhaulagiri. Despite the final settlement of Patlekhark being a day’s trek from Rikhhar, many devotees began their journey two days in advance.
Chitra Chhantyal, the Chairman of the Rikhhar Conservation Committee, noted that most of the devotees arrived at the Rikhhar area on Sunday evening and began their rituals from early Monday morning. He observed an increase in the number of pilgrims compared to previous years.
Rikhhar, with its unique temple built on a boat-shaped rock in a pond, continues to attract both devotees and tourists. Pilgrims often seek shelter in nearby dharmashalas and sheep sheds.
Today, not only Khayar Bharani and Rikhhar but also other sacred sites such as Kalibaraha in Chimkhola, Nangi Barahi, Naulibarahi of Bhagwati, and Pyari Barahi in Gharamdi, have witnessed a significant gathering of devotees since early morning.
