Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, June 16:

Organisers of the Shree Mad Bhagvad readings being conducted at Agrawal Bhawan in Kamalpokhari are promoting pilgrimage to Nepal to 800 devotees from Ludhiana, Punjab, gathered here. Contrary to reports in Indian newspapers, devotees said Nepal was a safe place. The programme is organised by the Banke Bihari Seva Parivar of Ludhiana and Agrawal Bhawan. “We are promoting religious tourism,” said Naresh Sanghai, local organiser and volunteer. “Publicity through the programme will help us counter bad publicity Nepal gets in the Indian Press.” While many devotees have already visited Janakpur, Devghat, Manokamana and Muktinath, more are planning to come,” said Surendra Garg, an organiser from Ludhiana, adding, “We haven’t encountered any problems,” he said, adding, “Among the sites selected, Nepal is the best.” Bhagvadh readings is a 350-year-old tradition. Banke Bihari Seva Parivar has organised readings in four of India, Canada and UK. Vinesh Chorada, a local organiser, said. “Our Guruji selected Nepal for the function because of her Hindu heritage.”