A Grand Welcome: Jumla Celebrates the Return of Badimalika Pilgrims!

Today, Thousands of devotees, along with government official, members of the Nepalese Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police, line the streets to welcome the returned Badimalika Pilgrims with a ceremonial salute. This warm reception reflects the deep spiritual and cultural significance of the Badimalika Puja for the people of Jumla.

Every year, on the auspicious day of Nakpanchami during Saun Shukla Purnima, a government delegation from Jumla embarks on a sacred journey to perform the Badimalika Puja. This tradition, rooted in the customs of joint worship once shared by the former states of Jumla and Doti, is now led by an official from the District Administration Office of Jumla.

The team carries five sacred items in a special bag called petaro—gold tika, binayo (a traditional musical instrument), a Silver Kangio, an umbrella, and a muruli (flute)—as offerings for the puja. After traveling for 18 days, the delegation finally returns to Jumla, just in time for the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami.