The annual Ganga Dashahara Mela commenced with great religious fervor and traditional grandeur at Behdaba Temple, located in Ward 16 of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, Rampur, from Wednesday. The festival has drawn thousands of devotees from across Nepal and neighboring India, reinforcing Behdaba’s status as a vital spiritual and cultural hub in Sudurpashchim Province.
According to Khem Bahadur Chand, the Chairperson of the Temple Management Committee, the mela is organized every year on the occasion of Ganga Dashahara, a Hindu festival dedicated to the descent of the sacred river Ganga to Earth. As per long-standing tradition, worship begins exactly at midnight (12:00 AM) with devotees offering sacred water and performing rituals.
Behdaba Temple
Behdaba Temple, regarded as a significant religious site in Kailali, has deep historical and spiritual significance. As per local beliefs, the temple was established after the spontaneous emergence of a Shivalinga in ancient times. Today, it is considered a heritage site not only for Sudurpashchim but for the entire country. Worshippers believe that visiting this sacred place fulfills wishes, especially those related to childbirth and protection from misfortunes. The site has become a confluence for devotees from Kailali, Kanchanpur, and other parts of the province.
Additionally, thousands of pilgrims from various parts of India, including Lakhimpur, Palia, Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have already arrived for the mela, with more expected in the coming days. To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City has taken several steps, including road repairs, installation of street lights, and logistical support. Mayor Gopal Hamal emphasized that festivals like Ganga Dashahara carry immense cultural importance, and in recognition of this, the local government has declared a public holiday on Jestha 22 (Thursday).
Furthermore, to ease access for pilgrims, the sub-metropolitan city has arranged for free bus services from the Shivganga River area to the temple premises. The city has also coordinated with security and sanitation teams to ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors. The festival has also created economic opportunities, with both local and Indian vendors setting up stalls days ahead of the event, contributing to a vibrant marketplace atmosphere.
According to the organizers, all preparations for prayers, offerings, and crowd management have been completed, and the site is fully equipped to welcome a large influx of devotees during the course of the meal. Behdaba Temple continues to stand as a beacon of faith, heritage, and cultural unity, drawing in worshippers and tourists alike during this auspicious time of Ganga Dashahara.
