Himalayan News Service

Tokha, April 14:

Tens of thousands of devotees thronged the temple of Sapana Tirtha (Karyabinayak Siddhi Ganesh) in Tokha, 10 km north of Ratna Park, to worship the Sapana god and dip in the holy pond. People believe that taking a dip in the pond will relieve them of all their diseases and fulfil all their dreams. Talking about the origin of the celebration, Gyan Bahadur Dongol, the priest for this year’s festival, said the fair began after a diseased and disabled person became able after being thrown into the pond at the confluence of two rivers long ago. The idol of Siddhi Ganesh was taken out in a chariot yesterday as part of the celebration. Dongol said thousands of people reached the site this morning to take a dip in the holy pond. He said the first person taking a dip is believed to get all his/her wishes fulfilled. “Therefore, a large number of devotees thronged the temple right from early morning to stand first.” Baburam Lama of Rambheti Boudha said visitors’ number has gone up unexpectedly this time. The United Youth Council of Tokha managed pay parking effectively while microbuses and minibuses plying on the route were charging almost double the usual fare though the number of passengers was half as much as usual.