KHOTANG: A 15-day Ram Nawami fair has begun in Halesi, a significant religious site in Khotang.
The fair, held to celebrate Ram Nawami, takes place in Halesi, a place of worship for Hindus, Buddhists, and Kirat followers alike.
Pilgrims from neighboring countries, including India, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and South Korea, visit Halesi to participate in the Ram Nawami festivities.
However, managing parking spaces has become a challenge as many pilgrims bring their own vehicles.
Gopal Giri, the head priest of Halesi Temple, stated that volunteers and police have been deployed to ensure a smooth and comfortable environment for worshippers. It is a tradition for devotees to stay awake the night before Ram Navami.
The number of pilgrims visiting Halesi has surged, thanks to the blacktopping of the Mid-Hill Highway, which connects several Terai districts, including Kathmandu.
District Security Committee Coordinator and Chief District Officer Narahari Ghimire confirmed that all three security forces in the district are mobilized to ensure safety and organize the fair smoothly.
It is believed that visiting and worshipping at Halesi fulfills one’s wishes. The area around the rock-built Halesi temple features various gates, including Mahadev Cave, Basaha Cave, Shiva Parvati Than, Bhairav Cave, Dharmadwar, Papadwar, and Swargdwar.
Halesi also hosts major fairs during festivals such as Ram Nawami, Shivaratri, Balachartudashi, Haritalika Teej, and Bolbam.
With the increasing number of visitors and devotees, CCTV cameras have been installed in and around Halesi Bazaar and the temple premises to prevent criminal activity.
On the occasion of Ram Nawami, large fairs are also being held at various religious and tourist sites throughout the district, including Barahpokhari, Tamke, Majhuwagadhi in Diktel, Rupakot, and Maiyung.
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