Kavrepalanchok district saw special fairs at several religious sites today, marking the occasions of Shrawan Shukla Purnima, also known as Janai Purnima and Rakshabandhan.
Significant gatherings were observed at Gosainsthan in Banepa Municipality-6, Narayansthan in Temal Rural Municipality-5, Tarakhase Lek in Roshi Rural Municipality-3, and Ratnachudeshwar Mahadev Pond in Mandan Deupur Municipality, among other sacred sites.
Bhairav KC, a local social worker and former ward chairperson of Banepa-6, noted that many devotees, who are unable to make the pilgrimage to Gosainkunda in Rasuwa, come to Gosainsthan in Banepa with the belief that their wishes will be fulfilled by worshipping here. According to Vishnu Narayan Shrestha, the chairman of the Gosainsthan Conservation Committee, the site holds significance as it is linked with the stories and importance of Gosainkunda in Rasuwa, attracting devotees who cannot visit Gosainkunda.
Similarly, a special fair has also been held at Tarakunda in Tarakhase Lek, Roshi-3, on this auspicious day. Resident Suraj Lama shared that according to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) meditated and traveled through several sites, including Yarinag Cave in Temal, Hatti Aahal and Tarakunda in Tarakhase, and Mahadev Pokhari in Nagarkot, on his way to Gosainkunda from Halesi in Khotang.
Due to its sanctity, the pond at the top of Mahabharat Lek remains full of water throughout the year. On the full moon day, shamans from various regions visit the pond to meditate, worship, perform traditional dances, and pray for blessings. It is also believed that visiting the pond can cure individuals who have lost their senses due to supernatural causes, drawing crowds to the site.
To promote the religious and eco-tourism potential of Tarakunda, the federal government allocated NPR 10 million in the fiscal year 2080/81 for infrastructure development around the pond, including the construction of stairs, railings, picnic spots, drinking water facilities, bathing areas, and toilets, as informed by Dhanjit Lama, the ward chairperson of Roshi-3.
In addition, the Satyanarayan Temple in Narayansthan, Temal Rural Municipality-5, also witnessed a special fair today. This temple has been the center of a religious festival on Janai Purnima since ancient times. The temple’s annual fair has evolved into a cultural festival for the entire Temal region, leading the local government to declare a public holiday across the municipality.
Chief Administrative Officer Pawan Kumar Pyakurel announced in a public notice on Thursday that the municipality would observe a public holiday from Bhadra 2 to 4 to allow devotees from nearby municipalities, rural municipalities, and neighboring districts to participate in the fair.
Similarly, the historic religious site Ratnachudeswar Mahadev Pond Temple in Nagarkot hosted a grand fair today. The Tamang community celebrated Janai Purnima as the Gonenhya festival, marking the occasion with traditional rituals and festivities.
