12 year Godawari Fair begins today; Devotees start thronging the festival

The fair that takes place once in every 12 years, has begun at Godawari in Lalitpur today. Hordes of people have reached Godawari to take holy dip at Godawari pond and then perform puja of Siddheswor Mahadev. The fair is speculated to have begun in the 5th Century. Around five million people are expected to participate in this edition of the fair. A total of 200 stalls of local products and edibles have been kept at the fair. Likewise, personnel of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Traffic Police have been deployed for security at the fair along with 500 volunteers. Religious belief has it that taking bath at Godawari will keep the people safe from sorrow and diseases. The fair will run till the end of Nepali month of Bhadra.