The holy religious site of Kagbeni in Mustang, located in Varagung Muktichhetra-4, known for ancestral rituals, has seen an increase in accident risks in its bathing area. The bath area, built for pilgrims, has become a potential hazard, causing concern among devotees who come here for Shraddha ceremonies.
Despite efforts from the Kagbeni Temple and Shraddha Management Committee and residents to manage pilgrims with limited resources, the current arrangements are insufficient. Devotees report challenges in performing rituals, prayer, and bathing due to the narrow space. The previous year, on 28th of Shrawan (July), the flood in Kagkhola caused significant damage to the physical structure, affecting local homes, banks, financial institutions, and agricultural land, with losses in the millions.
Through the efforts of local residents, concerned authorities, and the Kagbeni Temple Management Committee, an attempt was made to control the flow of Kagkhola, but permanent management remains an issue.
Recently, on Saturday, 53-year-old Sita Sharma from Beni Municipality-9, Myagdi, was swept away by the Kaligandaki River while taking a bath at the confluence of Kagkhola and Kaligandaki. She slipped and was carried about 60 meters down the river. A rescuer who attempted to save her was also swept away but was later safely rescued by the Nepal Army.
Chairperson of the Committee, Laxmi Gurung, expressed concern over the lack of attention from all three levels of government regarding the management and conservation of the sacred site. Despite local temporary efforts, the long-term conservation and management require collaboration and coordination from the government. She emphasized that the government must plan for sustainable solutions to ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims who visit annually.
The committee has constructed temporary facilities funded by donations from devotees, but further infrastructure, including large-scale RCC embankments for both Kagkhola and Kaligandaki, is necessary. The committee has urged pilgrims to exercise caution while performing rituals and bathing.
Additionally, the committee has moved over a dozen temporary commercial stalls and is working to improve the overall accessibility of the site. However, despite frequent visits from millions of devotees, the government has yet to allocate a budget for the management and conservation of Kagbeni.
Every year, during major religious festivals like Dashain and Chaitra Dashain, thousands of devotees visit Kagbeni to perform Shraddha, offer Tarpan, and bathe in the Kaligandaki, following the belief that their ancestors will bless them.
