Devotees gather in large numbers for holy bath at Godavari dham on Maghe Sankranti

Dhangadhi: Devotees have been flocking to Godavari Dham, a renowned religious site in Kailali, to take a holy bath on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti today. Devotees from various parts of the country gathered at the site, guided by the belief that bathing, donating and worshipping on Maghe Sankranti brings religious merit. The day is observed as the time of the sun’s transition.

The Godavari River and the Dham premises were crowded with devotees from early morning. After bathing in the river, devotees performed traditional worship rituals, offering prayers to deities, and making offerings of sesame seeds, ghee, knives and yams, along with donations. Maghe Sankranti is regarded as a day for physical and spiritual purification, freedom from disease and the attainment of renewed energy.

According to the Godavari Dham Management Committee, thousands of devotees visit the site every year on Maghe Sankranti to perform the holy bath, and this year as well, a significant number of devotees have participated. Alongside religious activities, the festival has also given a boost to local trade, with increased business in tea stalls, snack shops, puja material outlets and vendors of local products around the temple area.

Maghe Sankranti holds not only religious but also social and cultural significance. The Tharu community, in particular, celebrates the festival as the New Year, marking the occasion with special dishes, dance and family gatherings. The large turnout of devotees at Godavari Dham during Maghe Sankranti is expected to contribute to the promotion of religious tourism in the area.