Siraha, April 14
As in previous years, a grand festival was held at Salahesh Garden, a site of significant historical and religious importance in Siraha, on the occasion of Nepali New Year 2083 BS.
Visitors gathered in large numbers to observe and worship the Salahesh (Sunakhari), a rare garland-shaped orchid in white and yellow (Dendrobium aphyllum), believed to bloom only once a year on Baisakh 1, marking the Nepali New Year. The garden, spread over around nine bighas of land (one bigha is roughly equivalent to 72,900 square feet) in Lahan Municipality–12, features these orchids blooming on the Haram tree.
The flower is regarded as a symbol of love between King Salahesh, a popular 14th-century ruler, and his beloved Malani. A large number of people from various districts of Nepal, as well as from bordering Indian cities, visit the site to observe and worship the flower.
Salahesh Fair Management Committee Chair Dashamilal Chaudhary said devotees have been standing in long queues since 4:00 am to offer prayers at the temple located within the garden. King Salahesh is considered the Ishtadev (preferred deity) of the Paswan community in the Terai region. It is believed that wishes are fulfilled upon worshipping the deity; those facing difficulties in having children may be blessed, and devotees may also be protected from various illnesses.
Security arrangements have been tightened in anticipation of large crowds. CCTV cameras have been installed across the fair area, and volunteers are assisting visitors with movement and crowd management.
Stakeholders have expressed concern that although the government has declared the area a new tourist destination, substantial development plans at the local level remain lacking.
Pradip Kumar Gupta, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Siraha, emphasised the need for coordinated action among all three tiers of government to effectively promote and develop the area.
