Thousands Brave Heavy Rain for Gahawamai Rath Yatra in Birgunj
Despite persistent monsoon rain and major road disruptions, thousands of enthusiastic devotees gathered in Birgunj to participate in the fourth annual Gahawamai Rath Yatra. Organized by the Gahawamai Pilgrimage Area Development Committee, the grand chariot procession began on Thursday morning following special prayer rituals at the historic Gahawamai Temple, one of Madhesh Province’s most revered Shakti Peeths. The sacred, beautifully decorated chariot carrying the deity traversed a designated route through key city landmarks—including Ghantaghar, Railway Road, Chapkaiya, Hospital Road, and Adarshanagar—before concluding its journey at the Maisthan Temple. While early morning downpours and ongoing local road expansion works created challenging, muddy conditions along the route, the weather failed to dampen the spirits of the massive crowd, which included participants of all ages. To ensure public safety and manage the heavy flow of traffic, local authorities deployed a strong security presence consisting of the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and traffic personnel, alongside plainclothes officers monitoring the entire route. Following the morning procession, religious rituals continued with a main hawan (fire ritual) and a grand Maha Aarti in the evening, after which prasad was distributed to the assembled pilgrims. Local leaders highlighted that the annual chariot festival has rapidly evolved into a major cultural landmark for Birgunj, playing an essential role in fostering social unity, promoting spiritual tourism, and preserving the region’s rich religious heritage.
