Marking the beginning of the Nepali New Year, ‘Nagarkot Visit Year 2082’ has officially commenced from today. The inaugural celebration was held in Nagarkot, a popular hill station renowned for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas and sunrise vistas.
According to Jeevan Khatri, Mayor of Changunarayan Municipality, the Visit Year is a collaborative initiative organized jointly by Changunarayan, Mandandeupur, Banepa, and Shankharapur municipalities. The grand opening was celebrated with various cultural programs, traditional processions, and rallies that showcased the rich heritage of the region.
Thousands of domestic and international tourists flocked to Nagarkot early in the morning to witness the first sunrise of the New Year. Mayor Khatri stated, “Our aim with this festival is to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to Nagarkot. We believe this campaign will not only benefit Nagarkot but also contribute to the overall economic development of the country.”
As part of the event, 60 stalls featuring local and homemade products have been set up to promote domestic entrepreneurship. Throughout the year, the four municipalities will organize various joint events centered around Nagarkot. Additionally, ward-level programs will also be conducted to engage local communities.
To accommodate the expected influx of tourists, arrangements have been made for food and lodging in hotels and homestays not only in Nagarkot but also in neighboring municipalities such as Bhaktapur, Mandandeupur in Kavrepalanchok, Banepa, and Shankharapur in Kathmandu. Infrastructure improvements have also been made to facilitate access to Nagarkot, including the upgrading of all connecting roads and the launch of a direct Kathmandu–Nagarkot bus service.
Chanhesiya Jatra Celebrated in Madhyapur Thimi
Residents of Madhyapur Thimi celebrated the traditional Chanhesiya Jatra with vibrant cultural rituals. The festival began with the ceremonial procession of Bal Kumari from Layaku Durbar to the Bal Kumari Temple. Prior to that, Digubhairav was brought from Achaju Karmaacharya’s residence to Layaku.
Bal Kumari was carried in a traditional wooden palanquin (Dhaaki), covered with cloth, and then enshrined in the temple after a tour through key locations. Thousands of oil lamps were lit, and traditional music was played as deities from various neighborhoods, including Dakshin Barahi, Harisiddhi, and Ajima, were paraded through the streets.
The celebration concluded with the deities being circled around Vishnuvir Temple and finally brought to the Bal Kumari Temple, where five rounds of circumambulation were performed before placing the palanquins in their respective designated spots. The Jatra began on Sunday night and successfully concluded by Monday morning.
Mass Pilgrimage at Charakhandi Mahadev Temple in Dadhikot-Sirutar Area
A large number of devotees gathered at the Charakhandi Mahadev Temple, located at the junction of Dadhikot and Sirutar in Suryabinayak Municipality–1, from early Monday morning. According to cultural expert Ratna Sayami, it is believed that taking a holy bath in the sacred pond at the temple and worshipping Mahadev helps cure physical ailments and brings success.
A local legend says a sparrow, shot by a hunter, came back to life after dipping into the Charakhandi pond, believed to be infused with divine energy. Elders of the community affirm that bathing in the pond cures skin-related diseases such as rashes and blemishes. The temple area saw a huge influx of pilgrims since dawn, with people participating in the ritual bath. The celebration also included a “Khat Jatra” featuring three palanquins that were carried around various parts of the region.
Ganesh Festival and Khat Procession Observed in Dadhikot and Sirutar
In a similar celebration, devotees from Chitrapur in Dadhikot and Sirutar participated in a Ganesh Jatra. The processions included palanquins of Purna Binayak Ganesh and Gupteshwor Mahadev, with locals playing with sindoor (vermillion powder) and installing the deities in various neighborhoods.
Residents of Sirutar paraded the palanquins through areas including Sirutar and Balkot, as part of the religious observance. As a mark of devotion, offerings were made to Lord Ganesh, including traditional animal sacrifices.
