Bhaktapur, December 12:

People residing around Changu Narayan temple in Bhaktapur today celebrated Chaturthi Puja that is offered to Changu Narayan (one of the four Vishnus in Kathmandu valley) on the fifth day of ‘Mahasnan’ festival- the biggest festival of the year at the temple.

Chakradhara Nanda Rajopadhaya, main priest of the Changu Narayan temple today told The Himalayan Times that during this puja, a rice-pudding is offered to Narayan- lord Vishnu in Changu Narayan Temple. Similarly, a he-goat is offered as Bali (a sacrifice of animals) given to gods and goddess to Chhinna Masta temple nearby main Changu Narayan temple, he said.

“Mahasnan’ festival is celebrated for the six days from Marga Sukla Yakadashi where the Guthi Sansthan performs invitation puja to call gods and goddesses to begin Mahasnan festival. On the second day, Guthi Sansthan performs a special puja in the temple. Pacnchaamrit Mahasnan is also observed on this day where Guthi Sanshtan offers one tolas of gold with raw pulses , five muri and ten pathi paddy to the Changu Narayan, Likewise, Pancha Bali--sacrifice of five animals, namely he-buffalo, he-goat, sheep, duck and hen, is offered to Chhinna Masta goddess and another feast is organised at Kuchhe Bhairab temple.

On the third day, a feast is organised for Bhadel- a group of people at Changu Narayan. “Though Guthi Sansthan is meant to offer feast for only forty people, more than hundred people joined the feast which is organised during the evening creating confusion among the participants due to the insufficiency of the eating stuffs,” the priest said. He complained the Guthi Sansthan for not providing quality food items for the Mahasnan as well as weak management during the festival.

He further said, “Guthi Sansthan offers vegetarian food to thirty six priests of temple on the fourth day while rice-pudding and animal sacrifices are offered to gods and goddess on the fifth day. “The festival concludes with Bida (Goodbye) Puja on the sixth day tomorrow.