Key Takeaways:

• Fourth annual Gahawamai Rath Yatra held in Birgunj
• Thousands joined despite rainfall and road disruptions
• Event promotes religious harmony and cultural heritage.

BIRGUNJ, JULY 17 The fourth annual Rath Yatra of the renowned Gahawamai Temple, one of Birgunj's most revered Shakti Peeths, was held on Thursday with thousands of devotees participating in the religious procession. The chariot procession began after special prayers at the Gahawamai Temple in the morning and proceeded through Ghantaghar, the inner bypass along Railway Road, Chapkaiya, the Main Road, Hospital Road, Makalu Chowk, Adarshanagar and Ghadiarwa before concluding at Maisthan Temple, according to Narendra Sah, chairman of the Maisthan Temple Management Committee.

Authorities deployed Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and the Traffic Police to ensure the procession remained safe and orderly. Security personnel in plain clothes were also mobilised, while enhanced surveillance was maintained along the entire route. Alternative traffic arrangements were put in place to minimise disruptions. Devotees of all age groups gathered at the temple premises from early morning to take part in the procession. Although rainfall occurred before the event began, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of participants. Some inconvenience was reported along sections of the route due to structures demolished during ongoing road expansion works.

The organisers said worship rituals would continue until noon following the morning procession, with prayers resuming at 1 pm after a short break. A main hawan (fire ritual) is scheduled for 4 pm, followed by a grand Maha Aarti at 6 pm. Prasad will be distributed to devotees from 6:30 pm. The annual Gahawamai Rath Yatra has become one of Birgunj's major religious and cultural events, fostering religious harmony, social unity, and preservation of the city's heritage.