Regular electricity service reaches Manika Dham for the first time

Kanchanpur: Regular electricity service has been extended for the first time in Manika Dham, a religious and tourist site located in Mudka under Shuklaphanta Municipality-8 of Kanchanpur. Previously, devotees were compelled to perform worship in darkness due to the lack of electricity.

The Nepal Electricity Authority Mahendranagar Distribution Center installed 82 electricity poles and transformers along a stretch of approximately five kilometers from Mudka to Dharapani at a cost of around Rs 6.5 million. The entire process, including pole installation, wire stretching, insulator fitting and transformer installation, was completed through a contract process.

With the extension of electricity service, the temple premises, newly constructed Bhajanghar and surrounding areas have been illuminated. Locals state that conducting evening worship, aarti and religious programs is now much easier than before.

Ward No. 9 Chairman Ramesh Bahadur Air said that the availability of electricity has facilitated religious activities, adding that the difficulties faced by devotees due to darkness have now ended. Former president of the Dham area Bharat Bahadur Air noted that with electricity service in place, satsang, bhajan kirtan and other religious programs can now be organized systematically at night.

Manika Dham hosts a traditional fair (jaant) every year on the night of the ninth day of the bright fortnight of Falgun and on the tenth day of the month. This year’s fair is scheduled for Falgun 13 and 14. Thousands of devotees from Nepal and India visit the site, driven by the belief that worshiping Baijnath Baba fulfills wishes.

The extension of electricity service has further enhanced the appeal of Manika Dham. The illuminated surroundings are expected to promote tourism, ensuring that devotees attending this year’s fair at night will no longer face difficulties due to darkness. It is also believed that the development will have a positive impact on local businesses.