Preparations for the religious fair (Jaat) at the Mudka religious tourist site in Shuklaphanta Municipality-8 are complete. The fair will take place on the 23rd and 24th of Falgun. The temple area has been cleaned, and road repairs have been completed in preparation.
Arrangements have been made for commercial shops in the lower part of the temple area. Volunteers have been selected for vehicle parking, according to Purana Hamal, Chairman of the Vaijnath Religious and Tourism Development Committee. He added that the temple area and its surroundings will be dedicated to visitors, and alcohol will be strictly prohibited in the fair area. Dusty roads are being sprayed with water to maintain cleanliness, and proper arrangements for drinking water have been made.
Hamal mentioned that coordination with the police and armed police has been established to prevent any unwanted activities and ensure peace and security during the fair. Special priority will be given to senior citizens, disabled individuals, and women for temple visits, according to Treasurer Dambar Bahadur.
The fair is held annually on the night of the ninth day and the tenth day of the waxing moon in Falgun Shukla. On this occasion, the municipality declares a local holiday. Mudka is considered a significant religious and tourist destination in the district, with devotees believing that a visit to the Baijnath Baba temple brings desired blessings. The fair attracts a large crowd of devotees and traders from both India and Nepal.
Mudka also houses an ancient Siddha Baba temple and a large pond nearby. Located 11 kilometers north of the East-West Highway in the Churey Fedi area, this site was historically believed to be a winter refuge for travelers with livestock.
