First-ever Shaligram Fest at Rurukshetra to Promote Kaligandaki’s Sacred Stones

Devotees and visitors have gathered at Rurukshetra Dham, where the first-ever Shaligram Festival is being held to celebrate and promote the sacred Shaligram stones found in the Kaligandaki river.

The two-day festival began on Saturday at the historic Ridi Rishikesh Temple, located at the border of Palpa and Gulmi. It aims to highlight the cultural, religious and spiritual significance of Shaligrams — fossilized stones worshipped as symbols of Lord Vishnu.

Local municipalities of Palpa, Gulmi and Syangja are organizing the event together with the Tourism Division Office in Rupandehi and the Rishikesh Temple Management Committee.

Festival highlights include puja, the distribution of 108 Shaligrams, a chariot procession of Lord Rishikesh, devotional music and an evening aarti by the banks of the Kaligandaki.