Himalayan News Service

Janakpurdham, February 27,

It may sound strange but it is true. People have a belief that their wishes are fulfilled if mud balls are pelted at the God Delmara Gosain.

There is a 50-year-old tree on the roadside in the north of Bahuarwa VDC in Dhanusha district where passers by never forget to throw mud at it believing it to be the place where the deity Gosain lives. The daily offering of hundreds of mud balls has resulted in the place to turn into a mound.

According to a local Nityananda Mandal, though he is not sure exactly when the practice started, he is sure the custom is centuries old.

Another practice is that newly-wed women throw mud at the tree from over their shoulders without facing the tree when they are on their way to their new homes. Legend has it that Sita, on her way to Ayodhdya, had thrown a fist of grain at the place in the same manner to ensure that her maternal place would never have to face shortage of food.

During the 15-day Mithila procession, everyone taking part in it throw five mud balls each on reaching the place. Pilgrims from far and wide who come to mark Ram Nawami and Bibaha Panchami also perform the ritual. A literary figure in the area, Dr Rewati Raman Lal, said, "People believe that such ritual will bring good luck to them during the journey."