KATHMANDU: The COVID-19 has taken its heavy toll on religious and cultural practices of Kathmandu valley – a peculiar place for celebrating remarkable indigenous fairs and festivals evolved during the reign of the Malla Kings.

Among others, the popular Machhenarayan fair which annually takes place at Chandragiri municipality-9 in the southern suburb of Kathmandu has been put off this year due to coronavirus fear.

The holy dip taking fair has fallen in the time of Adhik Maas, also popularly known as Puruswottam Maas.

The concept of Adhik Maas is unique to the traditional Hindu lunar calendars.

It is taken to be the most accurate method to adjust the gap between Solar and Lunar years.

The extra lunar month (Adhik Maas) this year will begin on 18 September through 16 October.

Chandragiri municipality mayor Ghanashyam Giri said the Machhenarayan fair which gathers thousands of revelers has been put off so as to protect people from abrupt transmission of the coronavirus in Kathmandu Valley.

There is a religious belief that taking holy dip in Machhenarayan pond and donating Malpuwa during Puruswottam Maas will considerably bring blessings from the gods.

The municipality has publicly informed that the fair has been adjourned this year to avoid crowds so as to save the lives of people from coronavirus infection.

It is widely believed that the Lord Vishnu took his first incarnation in the holy place as Machhenarayan, however the government has not paid much attention to the development of the peculiar area, said Ram Shrestha, a local.

RSS