Fri, 16 October 2026
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Fri, 16 October 2026
By Siraj Khan, Nepalgunj, Oct. 16: With the arrival of Dashain, numerous squares and public spaces across Nepalgunj have been adorned with idols of Goddess Durga, adding to the festive atmosphere throughout the city.
Worship and religious ceremonies are held at these locations from early morning until late at night, making the city vibrant with the spirit of Dashain.
According to Pramod Rizal, spokesperson for Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, around 200 Durga idols have been installed within Nepalgunj this year. Various parts of the city have been decorated, creating a lively and festive environment.
He said devotional songs and religious hymns continue from morning until late at night, making Nepalgunj increasingly vibrant. People of all ages, from children to senior citizens, participate in worship and devotional singing at different intersections.
The tradition of strolling through market areas at night and watching Ram Lila performances has also added to the city's festive charm. Local social worker Nandalal Baishya said that from the day of Ghatasthapana, Durga idols have been installed at intersections and in streets throughout the sub-metropolitan city, bringing residents together in a festive spirit.
Worshipping Goddess Durga through elaborately decorated idols during Dashain is one of the city's major traditions. Basanta Kanojiya, another local social worker, said devotees worship the goddess every day from Ghatasthapana until late at night.
According to him, a tradition is followed in which the eyes of Durga idols installed on Ghatasthapana are covered with a cloth. The covering is removed only on Saptami, the seventh day of Navaratri. Religious belief holds that the goddess defeated Mahishasura on this day, which is why the idols' eyes are unveiled on Saptami.
Kanojiya added that the idols installed on Ghatasthapana are immersed in the Rapti River on the day after Vijaya Dashami, or Ekadashi.
Local organisers estimate that around 400 Durga idols have been installed across various streets, intersections, crossroads and temples in the wider Banke district. Before the installation ceremonies begin, idol makers in Nepalgunj are kept busy fulfilling orders. With demand for Durga idols increasing in the city, even artisans with limited production capacity have been receiving a steady stream of orders.
Until a few years ago, most idols were brought from India. In recent years, however, the majority have been produced locally in Nepalgunj. Nevertheless, idol makers say they still have to import some of the materials required for making the idols from India.
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