Indian pilgrims arrive in Lahan for historic Salhesh Phulbari festival

Siraha. Indian pilgrims have begun arriving at the historic and religious site of Salhesh Phulbari in Lahan for the annual festival held on Baisakh 1 to mark the New Year. The influx of devotees has increased two days prior to the start of the event.

Thousands of devotees from across Nepal and India visit the Salhesh Phulbari, located in Lahan Municipality-12 and 22, to observe and worship the garland-shaped orchid flower, which is believed to bloom only on New Year's Day.

According to Dashmilal Chaudhary, chairman of the festival management committee, the orchid has started blooming on the Haram tree in front of the temple, though it has yet to fully blossom. He noted that devotees are already arriving at the nine-bigha garden site.

Pilgrims have begun camping under trees within the garden premises. With the rising number of tourists, the lack of infrastructure has become apparent. Local resident Birendra Chaudhary expressed concerns over the lack of organized guesthouses for the devotees.

According to folklore, this garden is considered the romantic site of the folk hero King Salhesh, who was born in Mahisotha, Siraha. The orchid flower is seen as a symbol of the love between King Salhesh and his beloved, Malini.

The festival is held every year on Baisakh 1 to commemorate the tales of bravery, courage, and love of the 14th-century folk hero King Salhesh. It is a popular belief among the Paswan community in the Terai region that worshipping Salhesh grants children and provides relief from various illnesses.

Stakeholders point out that although the government has included this area in the list of new tourist destinations, no concrete development has taken place. Pradip Kumar Gupta, president of the District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Siraha and Lahan, stated that if the three tiers of government and relevant agencies create an integrated master plan, this area could be transformed into a more attractive religious tourism center.