Rauta Pokhari, a prominent religious and tourist destination in Rauta Rural Municipality, has been witnessing an influx of hundreds of visitors daily.
According to Bhupendra Thapa, Vice-Chairperson of Rauta Mai Rural Municipality, visitors from Koshi and Madhesh provinces are arriving to worship Rautamai Panchakanya Devi and enjoy the panoramic views offered by the site. He emphasized that the area is increasingly bustling with tourists.
Pandav Rai, a former ward chairperson of Rautamai-4, highlighted that the belief in fulfilling wishes through worship of Panchakanya Devi and the favorable weather for observing the Himalayan range have contributed to the rise in visitors.
Homestay operator Harka Sijali Magar shared that seven Himalayan peaks, including districts like Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha, Khotang, Solu, and Okhaldhunga, can be observed from the northern side of Rauta. Additionally, lowland districts such as Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Jhapa, Sunsari, and Morang, as well as the Saptakoshi River, are visible from this vantage point.
Educational institutions also bring students for picnics, while the increasing number of tourists since November has boosted local businesses, including hotels and homestays. Ganga Maya Magar, another homestay operator, mentioned that 10 to 25 visitors now stay overnight daily, benefiting the local economy.
Situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, Rauta Pokhari features the Rauta Panchakanya Devi Mandir in its vicinity. The pristine condition of the pond is attributed to local beliefs that birds pick up and carry away fallen leaves, ensuring cleanliness.
Jagat Bahadur Rai, a 78-year-old resident of Aaptar, Rautamai-4, shared folklore tied to the pond. If the water appears green or blue, it signals a bountiful harvest, while a yellowish tint is believed to predict illnesses and hardships in the community. Clean pond water is thought to symbolize peace and harmony in the nation.
Visitors perform rituals such as offering pigeons, ducks, chickens, or goats, and some also present coconuts and milk in devotion to Panchakanya Devi.
Rauta Pokhari stands as a significant destination for spiritual devotion and scenic beauty, drawing increasing numbers of visitors and boosting local tourism.