Machapuchchhre Municipality-2 in the Sardikhola area is set to host a grand religious festival aimed at developing and promoting religious tourism. The event, organized by the local Shivalay Temple Management Committee, will feature the Shri Bhagwat Mahapuran Week Knowledge Mahayagya and Religious Festival from September 20 to 28, 2024.
Funds collected from the Mahayagya will be used to develop the Ghopte Danda area in Khandarjung as a tourist destination. Plans include establishing a large statue of Lord Shiva, a Buddha statue, a Jyotirlinga, and 108 Shivlings, as well as refurbishing the temple’s roof with copper sheets. Ganesh Acharya, the guardian of the Mahayagya and Ward Chairman of Machapuchchhre-2, highlighted the initiative’s dual goal of enhancing religious tourism and connecting and promoting other religious sites in the area.
“This Mahayagya aims to integrate and promote other religious sites in the region to boost local religious tourism,” said Acharya. “Creating beautiful statues against the backdrop of Machapuchchhre Himal will add to the area’s charm.”
The region is already known for its cultural and natural attractions, including the Bhara Bhari Stone Quarry, the hot springs of Kharpani, the Mahadev Temple in Khaimarang, and the renowned Tara Hilltop for trekking enthusiasts.
The Shivalay Mahadev Temple Management Committee’s Chairman, Sarvajit Gurung, expects to raise between NPR 40 to 50 million from the Mahayagya. The event has received support from Machapuchchhre Municipality as the patron and Machapuchchhre Municipality-2 Ward Office as the co-patron.
Preparations for the Shree Bhagwat Mahapuran Week Knowledge Mahayagya are underway, with various subcommittees working on the event. Local organizations, women’s groups, educational institutions, and the community are coming together to ensure the festival’s success. Santosh Acharya, Principal of Machapuchchhre Secondary School, emphasized that the religious site could become a major attraction for the district, extending the stay of tourists in the Pokhara region.
