The ongoing historic Makar Snan and Devghat Mahotsav at Devghat is witnessing an increasing number of devotees. The festival, which began on Maghe Sankranti, will continue throughout the month of Magh.
Recognized for its religious, cultural, and spiritual significance, the event was inaugurated by 1008 Swami Gyananand Saraswatiji Maharaj, President of the Nepal Sant Samaj, in the presence of a large crowd of local and international devotees.
Shivraj Paudel, the former chairperson of the Devghat Area Development Committee, shared that the daily attendance of devotees has been rising steadily. He mentioned that Saturday saw a significant turnout from various parts of the country. The festival is being held under the auspices of the World Jagaran Maha Abhiyan Trust and is guided by the renowned storyteller, Ishwarkrishna Maharaj.
The major highlights of the festival include the uninterrupted Harinam Sankirtan, 108 recitations of the Srimad Bhagwat, the offering of 125,000 Sri Phal Havan, 100,000 Shilapujan and Shilanyas ceremonies, the writing and worship of 11 billion Ram Nam, and the lighting of 33 crore lamps.
The participation of renowned storytellers has further elevated the event. Among them are the world’s youngest storyteller, Anuradha Pandey, Devi Pratibha, Pujya Yashoda Mata, and youth storyteller Omprakash Suvedi, who have been imparting spiritual knowledge to the devotees through their discourses.
The organizers have made excellent arrangements for the comfort of the devotees. Free meals and accommodation have been provided for around 10,000 people daily, with three grand pandals constructed to accommodate more than 20,000 individuals. The facilities include clean water, toilets, a medical team for primary care, and special transport arrangements for the elderly and disabled. A team of security personnel and volunteers has also been deployed to ensure safety.
Funds raised during the event will be used to construct the Mata Pita Seva Ashram in Devghat, Tanahu, which will consist of 365 rooms. The land acquisition and initial stages of construction have been completed, and the final phase of building 120 rooms is underway.
The ashram aims to provide a safe, comfortable, and spiritual environment for the elderly. The World Jagaran Maha Abhiyan Trust, led by Ishwarkrishna Maharaj, believes this project will make a significant contribution to the religious, social, and cultural landscape. Ishwarkrishna Maharaj emphasized that the ashram will not only provide free residential facilities for elderly parents but also offer an atmosphere of religious faith and peace.
