On the occasion of Haritalika Teej, celebrated annually on the third day of the bright fortnight of Bhadra, there has been a significant influx of female devotees at major Shiva temples in Bhaktapur since early this morning.
At the Dattatraya Temple in Bhaktapur, dedicated to the deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, crowds of women have been gathering since dawn. The festival management committee has been organizing the crowd by issuing tokens after a two-kilometer-long line formed for darshan (viewing).
Volunteers from Nepal Scouts, local clubs, and women’s organizations have been assisting in managing the crowd, while various health institutions have set up free health camps. Ambulances are on standby within the temple premises, and a large number of police personnel have been deployed for security. In addition to the crowd of female devotees, women have been celebrating Teej by dancing and singing in groups.
Similarly, the Doleshwor Mahadev Temple in Sipadol, located in the Sunyabinayak-8 area, has also seen a substantial crowd of women since early morning. Devotees have been flocking to this temple, as well as to the Kailashnath Mahadev Temple in Sangha and the Aashapuri Temple.
Harisharan Basnet, General Secretary of the Temple Development and Conservation Committee, reported that the crowd at Doleshwor has been considerable from the morning, with health camps organized specifically for the devotees.
The Aashapuri Mahadev Temple in Sipadol is also witnessing a large number of visitors. Since many devotees visiting Doleshwor also head to Aashapuri, both temples are experiencing high footfall.
In addition, several other temples in the region, including Gupteshwor Mahadev in Sirutar, Somalingeshwor Mahadev, Charkhandishwor Mahadev, Anantalingshwar Mahadev in Ward No. 4, Subarneshwor Mahadev in Ward No. 5, Kailashnath Mahadev in Chittapol, Latarambeshwor Mahadev, and Yatu Mahadev in Changunarayan, are also seeing a surge in visitors.
During Teej, women fast throughout the day, wishing for the long life, happiness, and prosperity of their husbands and families. In the evening, they celebrate the festival by visiting Shiva temples and engaging in traditional dances and songs.
