The month-long “Shiva Mahimnaha Utsav,” which commenced on Shrawan 1st in the historic and religious city of Bandipur, concluded on a grand note with an elaborate program on Shrawan 28th, 2081. The festival, aimed at promoting religious tourism in the region, saw active participation from thousands of devotees and several prominent religious and cultural groups.
The closing ceremony was marked by a special program featuring Shiromani Shakti Swaroopanand Shree Damodar Baba, the original guardian of Beas Cave, as the chief guest. Baba led a one-day musical recital of the Shiva Purana, captivating the audience with the ancient stories and teachings of Lord Shiva. The grand finale of the festival also included continuous Shiva worship, evening aarti on the Marsyangdi River, and the completion of the Bolbam Yatra, which saw a significant turnout of pilgrims.
Kiran Pokhrel, the chairman of the main organizing committee, expressed his gratitude to all participants and highlighted the significance of the festival in enhancing Bandipur’s status as a religious tourism destination. “This grand religious and cultural program not only honors Lord Shiva but also strengthens the cultural fabric of our community. The one-day musical recitation of the Shiva Purana and the divine Mahaarti at the Tindhara complex were the highlights of this year’s event,” Pokhrel said.
The festival featured continuous Shiva worship and evening aarti, starting from July 1st, with special rituals every Monday on the banks of the Marsyangdi River. Devotees embarked on a sacred journey that included visits to Siddheshwar Mahadev, the Khadga Devi temple, and the three-stream Shiva Jyotirlinga, concluding with the Bolbam Yatra on the fourth Monday of Shrawan.
Visitors and participants alike praised the festival for its role in promoting religious tourism in Bandipur. “The Shiva Mahimnaha Utsav has truly brought our community together, and the influx of devotees has significantly boosted local tourism. Such events should continue to be organized in the future,” said one enthusiastic participant.
The event was organized by the original organizing committee of ‘Shiva Mahimnaha Utsav’ and was sponsored by Bandipur Cable Car and Tourism Limited. The festival received widespread support from local entities, including Bandipur Rural Municipality, the local police office, the Khadga Devi temple committee, the Tindhare village development organization, and mother groups from Tanahun and Gorkha districts.
In addition to the religious ceremonies, the festival also featured cultural performances by various bhajan groups, including the Radhakrishna Cultural Group Gagangowda Pokhara, Dharma Jagran Bhajan Group Puranchaur Pokhara, Rashtriya Lok Bhajan Chudka Pratishthan Tanahun, Veda Followers Bhajan Kirtan Group Tanahun, and Siddeshwar Bhajan Group Dhunge Sanghu Pokhara. Their devotional music and chants added a spiritual dimension to the event, enriching the experience for all who attended.
The successful conclusion of the Shiva Mahimnaha Utsav has set a precedent for future religious events in Bandipur. The organizing committee has already begun planning for next year’s festival, with the aim of further enhancing the cultural and spiritual appeal of the city.
As the festival drew to a close, the air in Bandipur was filled with the echoes of divine chants and the warmth of a community united in faith and culture. The Shiva Mahimnaha Utsav not only paid homage to Lord Shiva but also reinforced Bandipur’s position as a vital center for religious tourism in Nepal.
