Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sishir Khanal, visited the Manamaiju Temple, an ancient shrine in the north west of Kathmandu, today morning and offered prayers.
Minister Khanal reached the Temple dedicated to Goddess Mana Maiju Devi (also extolled as Ajima and Indrayani among Newar community) where he joined other devotees in a queue to perform the religious rituals.
The Temple located on the banks of the Bishnumati and Saanglekhola at ward no 9 of Tarakeshwor Municipality in Kathmandu district, is known for its rich historical, religious and archeological significance. The Manamaiju marketplace located immediately around the Manamaiju Temple, is largely inhabited by the Newar community.
A five-day festival starting a day before the full moon of the Nepali month Chaitra as per the lunar calendar is organized annually in this settlement perched atop a hill.
According to Indraman Maharjan, a local social worker, the festival features a series of traditional rituals from raising the ceremonial pole (lingo) on the first day to offering specific feeding to the Goddess Manamaiju on the second day.
Likewise, the third day is marked by the vibrant Sindoor Jatra (a vermillion procession) while the fourth day is observed for rest and family feasting, he shared.
The festival concludes on the firth day with another Sindoor Jatra, the immersion of the deity's idol and the lowering of the lingo, he added.
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