The annual Balaju Baaisdhara Fair has begun today at Balaju Baaisdhara in Kathmandu, observed every year on the day of Chaitra Shukla Purnima.
There is a traditional belief that bathing in the 22 stone water spouts at Baaisdhara grants the same religious merit as bathing in Muktinath Temple and Gosaikunda. To facilitate devotees, water flow has been arranged from all 22 spouts, according to Rabin Manandhar, chief of the Baaisdhara garden.
Both Buddhist and Hindu devotees have gathered to attend the fair. The Newar community also celebrates the birth of the goddess Mannadi on this day. It is believed that especially women who bathe in Baaisdhara and worship Mannadi will have their wishes fulfilled. Local elders also believe that bathing here helps prevent skin diseases.
Historically, it is recorded that 21 stone spouts were established here in Nepal Sambat 875 by King Jaya Prakash Malla of Kantipur, and an additional large spout was later built in 1855 BS by King Rana Bahadur Shah.
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