Balaju Baisdhara Mela: Historical Heritage of Malla Period, Center of Religious Faith (Photos)

Kathmandu, April 23

The Balaju Baisdhara in Kathmandu has been busy with those praying and worshiping since early this morning. Vehicles passing through the locality have been diverted due to traffic. Every year a fair is held at Balaju Baisdhara on the full moon day of the Nepalese month of Baisakh. This fair lasts five days.

People from all age groups come here to witness the festival, which is also known as Lhuti Punhi by the local Newa community. It is believed that if you bathe in Baisdhara, you will get the same blessings as bathing in Muktinath and Gosaikund.

Gautam Prajapati, coordinator of the Balaju Baisdhara Mela management committee, said devotees have been flocking to the Balaju Baisdhara (Lhuti Punhi) fair since morning. To make it easy for the devotees to take bath, arrangements have been made for water flow from all 22 stone taps. The committee estimates that 230,000 people will participate in the fair.

Baisdhara means 22 cranes in Nepali, Baisdhara of Balaju is a historical heritage of the Malla period. Around 875, the last Malla king of Kantipur, Jaya Prakash Malla, initially erected 21 stone cranes. Later in 1855, King Rana Bahadur Shah added a Dhungedhara (stone crane). Then the number of streams reached twenty-two. Hence the place got its name Baisdhara.

This place is located under the Nagarjuna forest on the northwest side of the Kathmandu Valley. There is a beautiful park. After turning towards the Ring Road from Kathmandu Balaju, you will find Baisdhara Park. Spread over an area of ​​approximately 162 ropani, this beautiful park has become a relaxing destination for city dwellers.

There are temple shrines of Lord Bishnu, Shiva and others in the park. Therefore, it is also considered the center of religious faith of Hindus and Buddhists. It is said that Mahayana philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna attained siddhi by meditating in the cave where Jamacho Pahad stood, known as Nagarjuna in reference to Acharya Nagarjuna. The local Newa community calls this place Lhuti.

It is a tradition to bathe in Baisdhara and light a lamp in the name of a deceased relative. There is also a tradition of taking the Kadalchok Bhagwati from Nuwakot to Balaju and placing Goddess Bhagwati at Setopati. A buffalo is sacrificed.

The story of Balaju Baisdhara is also related to Manmaiju Devi’s Jatra. Along with the Lhuti Purnima fair, the Manmaiju Jatra also begins. There is a religious belief that if you take bath in Balaju’s Baisdhara and see Manmaiju Devi on this day, your wishes will be fulfilled.