A tragic incident occurred at the holy pilgrimage site of Gosaikunda on Sunday as two pilgrims went missing while bathing in the sacred lake. The missing individuals have been identified as Sujan Dhakal, approximately 28 years old from Biratnagar, Morang, and Manoj Neupane from Belbari, Morang. According to District Police Chief Hem Bahadur Shahi, both individuals are believed to have drowned after entering a deep section of the lake during their ritual bath.
The incident took place during the ongoing Janai Purnima pilgrimage season, when thousands of Hindu devotees from across Nepal and India travel to Gosaikunda, located at an altitude of about 4,380 meters in Rasuwa district, to take a sacred bath in the alpine lake. The holy waters are considered spiritually purifying, and bathing during this time is believed to cleanse sins and bring blessings.
Devotees Entered Deep Waters for Ritual Bath
According to police sources, the two pilgrims entered a deeper part of the lake to perform their ritual bath early on Sunday. Eyewitnesses said that both individuals suddenly disappeared under the water and did not resurface. Preliminary assessments suggest the pilgrims may have misjudged the depth and temperature of the lake, which remains freezing cold even during the summer months, making it hazardous for swimmers.
Despite attempts by fellow pilgrims to locate them immediately after the incident, both individuals remained untraceable by late afternoon. Locals and guides familiar with the lake have indicated that underwater visibility is extremely poor, and sudden drops in depth are common in certain areas of the lakebed.
Security Forces Deployed for Search and Rescue
Following the report of the incident, the authorities promptly mobilized a search and rescue operation. Personnel from the Nepal Army’s Shreenath Battalion, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force (APF) were dispatched to Gosaikunda on Sunday itself. District Police Office Rasuwa confirmed that trained rescue officials, equipped with necessary gear, have been sent to comb the area for the missing individuals.
Given the high altitude and challenging terrain, the rescue team has faced logistical difficulties, including thin air, low temperatures, and unpredictable weather conditions. Despite the challenges, the search operation is ongoing, with divers and rescue experts attempting to cover every part of the lake systematically.
Concerns Over Safety Measures During Pilgrimage Season
This unfortunate incident has raised concerns about the adequacy of safety measures in place during the high pilgrimage season at Gosaikunda. Every year during Janai Purnima, the number of devotees swells into the thousands, many of whom are unfamiliar with the geographical and environmental risks posed by high-altitude lakes.
Locals and tourism stakeholders have urged the government and local authorities to implement better safety protocols, including deployment of lifeguards, installation of warning signs around deep water areas, and provision of emergency response units at the site during peak seasons.
Authorities Urge Caution to Pilgrims
District Police Chief Hem Bahadur Shahi has appealed to all pilgrims visiting Gosaikunda to remain extremely cautious while entering the lake. “We advise everyone to avoid venturing into deep water without proper guidance. The temperature and depth of the lake can pose serious risks to even experienced swimmers,” he stated.
Authorities are also coordinating with local community groups and religious organizations to ensure that safety guidelines are communicated effectively to visiting pilgrims. Public announcements and information boards in Nepali and English are expected to be set up to warn visitors of potential dangers.
Hope for Recovery Remains Amid Ongoing Search
Family members of the missing pilgrims have been informed, and prayers are being held across temples in Morang for their safety. The rescue teams continue to scan the lake with hope and determination, even as time progresses.
While Gosaikunda remains a revered destination of deep spiritual significance, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the natural dangers associated with high-altitude pilgrimages. Authorities have vowed to strengthen preventive measures to avoid such mishaps in the future and ensure that the pilgrimage remains safe for all.
The incident has cast a somber shadow over what is typically a season of devotion and celebration. As rescue efforts continue, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a miracle and a safe recovery of the two missing devotees.
