Temples in Dharan have witnessed a significant influx of devotees. With the Bol Bam pilgrimage set to begin in the month of Shrawan, many devotees are thronging to the temples to fulfill their vows in the month of Ashadh.
Barsha Budhathoki from Itahari mentioned that she visited the temples in Ashadh because animal sacrifices are not permitted in Shrawan. She shared, “I have profound faith in Buddhasubba. Newly married couples often come here to make vows, believing their wishes will be fulfilled.” She also highlighted the tradition of tying threads around the bamboo in the temple complex, a practice linked to the belief that it strengthens romantic relationships.
Anja Karki from Jhapa also came to Dharan to fulfill her vows. She stated, “I come to Buddhasubba Temple every year with a rooster to fulfill my vows. My wishes have consistently been granted after making vows here.”
About a decade ago, there was a tradition of carving names into the bamboo at Budhasubba Temple, believing it would eternalize love. However, as the bamboo began to wither, the temple management committee installed wire mesh around it. This led to a surge in tying garlands around the bamboo instead.
Devotees visiting Buddhasubba Temple typically bring roosters, eggs, and fruits for their worship. People from various parts of Nepal and regions in India, including Sikkim and Darjeeling, come here for this purpose. Those making vows at Buddhasubba Temple offer roosters, while female chickens or eggs are provided to Gaurini Mata nearby. Mohammad Jamin, who sells garlands near the temple, noted that the end of Ashadh sees a significant increase in devotees. He mentioned that the restriction on animal sacrifices during Shrawan led to this annual surge in the final days of Ashadh.
Yesterday and today, the last Saturday and Sunday of Ashadh, have seen the highest turnout of devotees at Budhasubba Temple, according to temple priest Dambar Alemagar. Over 5,000 devotees visited the temple on Saturday alone. Throughout the month of Shrawan, the Bol Bam fair will be held at Pindeshwor Temple in Bijaypur, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-14, where animal sacrifices are also not permitted during this period.
Devotees looking to fulfill their vows and offer sacrifices come to temples like Buddhasubba, Pindeshwor, and Dantakali before the month of Shrawan due to the Bol Bam fair.
