A crowd of Boudha Temal Jatra devotees lining up for praying in Bouddhanath Stupa in an organised manner. (Photo Credit: Bishal Shrestha)

Bouddhanath Stupa today is crowded with its buddhist devotees mainly Tamangs, on the occassion of Temal Jatra.

Devotees performing their ruitual with their guru dressed in cultural dress of Tamang.(Photo Credit: Bishal Shrestha)

Dressed in cultural dress, the devotees there are seated in mats around the stupa with their lamas and buddhist rinpoche, who perform pujas there and give blessings. Also, the devotees were seen burning butter lamps and incense sticks around the stupa.

A board expressing the welcome, health, happiness, unity, prosperity and wishing Nepali New Year 2080 B.S. on the occassion of Boudha Temal Jatra.(Photo Credit: Bishal Shrestha)

Temal Jatra is held every year on the day of Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi. On Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi, the Tamang community prays at the Lama Gurudwara and lights a lamp at the Buddhist Chaitya, wishing for the peace of the departed soul.

A seller selling the Nangsal- butter lamp infront of Bouddhanath Stupa for all the devotees. (Photo Credit: Bishal Shrestha)

The Stupa's atmosphere was blended highly with incense and butter lamps scent. Futher, the comittee of Bouddhanath Stupa managed free water and juice for every devotees. They also had the management of health camp for those in need.

A devotee using the facility provided by the management of free drinking water and juices. (Photo Credit: Bishal Shrestha)

Some of the devotees were also seen donating waters and juice adding to the helping hand as a step of pious act.

Bouddhanath Stupa's main entrance crowded with incoming and outgoing devotes. (Photo Credit: Riya Shrestha, SATV)

In ancient times, the Tamang community from the Temal region used to come and celebrate this festival, and hence was named Temal Jatra, but now Buddhists all over the country celebrate this festival.

They take a bathe in Balaju Baaisdhaara in the morning onthe full moon day. Then the Jatra ends only after reaching Bouddhanath Stupa and offering prayers.

Pilgrims there light the butter lamps known as nangsal and incense sticks, utter mantras, offer bows and make donations in the name of their deceased ancestors. Devotees have a faith that they will soon achieve nirvana if they help those in needs with pure heart this day on the name of their deceased ones.

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(Photo Credit: Bishal Shrestha, SATV)