President Ram Chandra Paudel arrived in Tansen, the headquarters of Palpa district, today to observe the historic Rana Ujeshwori Bhagwati Chariot Festival. Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya and received a grand reception from the local community.
Joining the festival alongside President Paudel were Defense Minister Manbir Rai and Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey. The Rana Ujeshwori Bhagwati Temple in Tansen hosts this annual chariot festival, celebrated the day after Krishna Janmashtami as a victory festival, marking Nepal’s triumph over the British in battle.
Palpa’s Chief District Officer Anand Kafle informed that President Paudel is scheduled to observe the Victory Festival and the Bhagwati Chariot Procession. This year, the chariots of both Bhagwati and Aman Narayan will be drawn on the same day. According to tradition, the Aman Narayan chariot, starting from the Narayanthan Temple in Tansen, circles the Bhagwati Temple before the Bhagwati chariot procession begins. Before the chariot procession, President Paudel is expected to offer prayers at the Ranujireswari Bhagwati Temple.
The Victory Festival, initiated by Colonel Ujir Singh Thapa in 1819 AD (1876 BS), remains Palpa’s largest festival. The original chariot, constructed by Thapa, continues to be used in this annual celebration.
