In celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, a religious and cultural pilgrimage to five prominent Ganesh temples in the Kathmandu Valley was completed today, aimed at promoting religious and cultural tourism. The pilgrimage covered five Ganesh temples located across the three districts of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, with participation from various social organizations.
Organized by Sahara Mahila Samaj and managed by Golden Eye Group, over 200 representatives from the valley took part in the pilgrimage. The journey began at Ashok Binayak (also known as Maru Ganesh) near Kasthamandap in Kathmandu and continued to Jal Binayak in Chobhar, Karunamaya Binayak in Bungamati, Surya Binayak in Bhaktapur, and Kamal Binayak, where prayers and rituals were performed before concluding the pilgrimage in the evening.
According to Arun Silwal, the president of Golden Eye Group, the pilgrimage, which started 15 years ago, has grown from an informal gathering into an organized event that now involves various social organizations. Initially launched by a few individuals, including Silwal and Bhupendra Ram Shrestha, the event has evolved into a significant annual festival promoting religious and cultural tourism.
“The main objective is to promote cultural and religious tourism while offering devotees the chance to perform the first worship of Lord Ganesh, who holds a special place in religious rituals,” said Silwal. The number of participants has grown steadily each year.
Throughout the event, traditional ‘Dhimay’ drums were played at each temple, accompanied by songs and dances as devotees offered their prayers. Ganesh Chaturthi, which marks the birth of Lord Ganesh in the Satya Yuga on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadra, is widely celebrated. Lord Ganesh, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is considered the first deity to be worshipped in any religious ceremony.
Harindraraj Ghimire, one of the participants, expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating that such religious pilgrimages help preserve and promote Nepal’s unique culture.
