With the start of Chaite Dashain, the number of religious tourists at the Kalika Temple here has increased. Navaratri began on Sunday. During this festival, also known as Chaite Dashain, devotees worship Goddess Durga Bhawani. Since special worship and rituals are performed at the Baglung Kalika Temple during Chaite Dashain, devotees travel far and wide to visit.
There is a widespread belief that offering worship and sacrifices at Baglung Kalika during the Chaitra Navaratri fulfills one’s wishes. According to Kumar Khadka, the chairman of the Kalika Bhagwati Guthi Management Committee, the temple, considered a major Shakti Peeth in Gandaki Province, is currently crowded with devotees.
“Until the third day of Chaite Dashain, thousands of devotees have been visiting daily. This time, it is estimated that more than 500,000 devotees will come,” Khadka said. “On this occasion, a fair has also been organized from Chaitra 20, and arrangements have been made for parking, security, and other necessities, considering the large number of visitors.”
An estimated budget of NPR 5.5 million has been allocated for organizing the fair. Religious tourists from neighboring India also visit the temple. Devotees offer sacrifices of goats, buffaloes, chickens, and other animals, while pigeons, symbolizing peace, are released into the sky. The fair will also feature exhibitions reflecting local art and culture. Additionally, stalls for local products such as baskets (doko), winnowing trays (nanglo), wooden utensils, and other traditional items have been provided free of charge to promote local trade.
