Devotees worshipping the Bouddhanath Stupa rounding up the dome today, on the occassion of Temal jatra. Photo: Bishal Shrestha, SATV

SATV, Kathmandu April 22: The Temal Jatra, which is celebrated by the Tamangs every year on the eve of Chait Purnima, fell on the 10th of Baisakh this year. Among the many festivals that the Tamangs have traditionally celebrated since ancient times, one of the major festivals is the Temaljatra. This is the original festival of the Tamang community. This Jatra has been recognized as a national festival by the Government of Nepal.

Starting one day before Chait Purnima in Bouddha,bathing in the Baaise Dhara of Balaju the next morning of the Jatra and visiting Swayambhu is the end of this Jatra. They stay awake all night and pray for the salvation of their ancestors.

The lighted lamps by hundreds of devotees remembering their ancestors and praying for their emancipation afterlife. Photo: Bishal Shrestha, SATV

According to the story, during the festival, the Tamang community prays for the eternal peace of the departed soul and on the day of Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi, they perform special prayers at the Lama Gurudwara and light the lamp in the Buddhist Chaitya. By doing this, people believe that their father will attain enlightenment, be born in a good place, and the soul will find peace.

Although this festival was named Temal Jatra because it was celebrated by the Tamang community of Temal area located in Kavrepalanchok in ancient times, now Buddhists all over the country celebrate this festival.

According to the Swayambhu Purana, there is a story that Bipaswi Buddha came to Kathmandu Valley and planted lotus flowers on this day.

Tourists capturing the moment of Buddhists worshipping  in Bouddhanath Stupa on the special occassion of Temal Jatra. Photo: Bishal Shsrestha, SATV 

Devotees can visit the central  part of Bouddha only during this Jatra. There is a tradition of keeping more than a hundred lamps in clay pots. At that place, devotees light lamps and visit Bouddha stupa to remember their ancestors.

Although it is not certain about the beginning of the Jatra, it is believed that Rinchen Dorje Val, the last king of Timal in Kavre, arranged for his people to go to Bouddha and light lamps for the peace of the departed souls.

Some of the glimpses of Temal Jatra in Bouddhanath Stupa, captured by the lense of SATV are: