Machhenarayan fair put off this year due to COVID-19

Kathmandu - The COVID-19 has taken its heavy toll on religiousand cultural practices of Kathmandu valley – a peculiar place for celebrating remarkableindigenous fairs and festivals evolved during the reign of the Malla Kings. Among others, the popular Machhenarayan fair which annually takes placeat Chandragiri municipality-9 in the southern suburb of Kathmandu has been putoff this year due to coronavirus fear. The holy dip taking fair has fallen inthe time of Adhik Maas, also popularly known as Puruswottam Maas.

The concept of Adhik Maas is unique to the traditional Hindu lunarcalendars. It is taken to be the most accurate method to adjust the gapbetween Solar and Lunar years. The extra lunar month (Adhik Maas) this year willbegin on 18 September through 16 October.