Mustang:Devotee attendance has surged at the Muktinath Temple following the Dashain festival, marking a significant increase in visitors to this key pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist worshippers.
According to National News Agency RSS, the Muktinath Temple, which saw minimal visitors before Dashain, has now become a hub of activity. The District Police Office in Mustang reported that 12,130 devotees visited the temple between Thursday and Saturday. Police Inspector and Information Officer Ishwar Mahat detailed that 3,033 individuals visited on the day after Dashain, 4,813 on Friday, and 4,284 on Saturday.
The Beni-Jomsom road, crucial for accessing Muktinath, had been completely closed for two weeks due to flood and landslide damage from severe August and September rains. This closure had previously hindered tourist arrivals, particularly during the annual Shorshraddha, a 16-day homage period to ancestors.
As the number of visitors to Muktinath rises, accommodations along the Beni-Jomsom road are nearing full capacity. The influx has also sparked increased demand for local agricultural products, such as apples, and beverages like apple-based brandy and wine.
Sujan Thapamagar, a visitor from Tanahun, expressed that he aimed to make the most of his festival holiday by traveling to Muktinath. Similarly, Ratna Bahadur Maharjan from Lalitpur shared that he and his group of seven had journeyed to the site and also planned to explore the Korala region.