The end of the year 2019 is bringing a very big global attention toward the country of Mount Everest. Yes, we are talking about Nepal. And about the world famous Gadhimai Mela (Gadhimai Festival). Nepal is famous for its natural beauties. Meanwhile, it is also famous for its cultural diversity and religious background. So, Diving broadly to the religious background. We know that, there are many historical temples and monuments in the country carrying particular significance. Among them, Gadhimai Temple is also an important one.
Likewise, this temple carries its own significant history (History of Gadhimai Temple). But, the most significant part of this temple is Gadhimai Festival (Gadhimai Mela ). This festival is held every five years. It is century old traditional festival, estimated 3 centuries old.
Millions of pilgrims, devotees, saints, hermits and tourists (little international tourists) visit this festival. For instance, about 5 million peoples visited in 2009 ‘s event. In 2015, this number was about 6 million. (Source: Gadhimai Temple Trust). This festival is also attentive due to the huge animal sacrifice tradition. (know the history behind Sacrifice (Ignore if you know)).
who are management activists in Gadhimai mela?
In order to manage such great mass of people and take appropriate actions for the Sacrificial tradition, pre-planning and preparations are inevitable. As a result, the Regional Administration, the Local Government and the Gadhimai Temple Operation and Development Committee are working altogether to manage the great festival systematically. And also make it grand as possible.
Chief District Officer of Bara Phanindramani Pokharel said that the Gadhimai fair will be organized and managed systematically, at a program organized in Kalaiya on Thursday, September-5, 2019.
Plans from the local Government
Upendra Yadav, The Mayor of Maha Gadhimai Municipality, said that it is impossible to serve almost 5 millions of people satisfactorily as their wish. Almost five millions peoples visit the Gadhimai Mela in about 2 to 3 days. He continued,”However, we will try our best to manage the festival very organized and systematic. For this, we are planning for temporary tents at various places. We are also planning for toilets and bathrooms facilities with proper drinking water supply. We will try our best from the Municipality office to manage it.” This information is from his interview in Aawaj F.M. (Here is the source link)
Context: Gadhimai Mela
Mayor Yadav officially called a gathering of all the local peoples of the Municipality and nearby villages. He also called different Political party activists. Certainly, this gathering was for making peoples aware about the Nepal Constitution regarding Temple, historical monuments, etc. Referring to the Nepal Constitution-2074, Mayor Yadav informed that the management and development of all the Mathas, Temples, Gutthis, historical monuments or religious center falls under the responsibility of the Municipality Office. Mr. Yadav pointed out The Gadhimai Temple Trust to be updated according to the Nepal Constitution-2074. In short, The Gadhimai Temple Trust is an non- governmental organisation. So, Mr. Mayor is trying to form an official governmental organisation for the management and development of the Gadhimai Temple inclusive of all the legal procedures. Therefore, Mr. Yadav is trying to form a committee in presidency of the Ward President of the ward in which the Temple locates.
Budget for Gadhimai Mela /Festival
Above all, in an interview in Aawaz F.M, Mr. Yadav confirmed the Budget for management of Gadhimai Festival to be 10 million. The municipality Office allocated this budget. Further, he said, “We have also appealed State Government, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to provide financial support for management of the great Festival.” (Here is the source link)
Context: Gadhimai Mela
Mr. Upendra Yadav also talked about complementary or backup budget for the emergency case in proper management of the Festival.