Hanumanghat echoes with chants of ‘Madhav Narayan’ (photos)

KATHMANDU: Amid the biting morning chill and icy river water, devotion remains warm and resolute at Hanumanghat in Bhaktapur.

The sacred site has come alive with a surge of pilgrims as the month-long Madhav Narayan religious fair begins in the northeastern stretch of the Kathmandu Valley.

Rooted in Hindu belief that Lord Vishnu assumes twelve forms throughout the year, devotees observe that in the month of Magh, he manifests as Madhav Narayan. With this faith, thousands of worshippers have been gathering daily at Shalinadi and Hanumanghat for ritual bathing and prayers.

According to Hindu scriptures, worshipping Lord Vishnu as Madhav Narayan during Magh is believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual merit. Undeterred by the harsh cold, devotees—men and women alike—immerse themselves in the sacred waters before offering prayers, reflecting deep spiritual commitment.

The Madhav Narayan fast is considered one of the most rigorous religious observances.

Notably, men also actively participate, with scenes of male devotees performing temple circumambulation by prostrating fully on the ground adding to the deeply devotional atmosphere of the fair.

The festival also features the traditional ‘Pardesh Yatra’, a religious foot journey. According to the fair management committee, devotees will walk from Sankhu to the Changu Narayan Temple, beginning on Magh Krishna Trayodashi.

The journey culminates on Magh Shukla Ekadashi with special worship at Changu Narayan, followed by a return to Sankhu the next day, completing the sacred rite.

As the cold grips the valley, the enduring faith of the devotees continues to transform Hanumanghat into a powerful symbol of spiritual resilience and devotion.

Photos:

-Saroj Basnet