The Nepali Army organized a free three-day health camp during the Gangadashahara Mela held in Khaptad, Bajura. A total of 456 pilgrims and tourists, including 229 women and 227 men, benefited from the camp. Approximately 5,600 devotees attended this year’s mela at Khaptad, the confluence point of four districts. Bajura, 13 Jestha.
The Nepali Army successfully completed a free health camp at the religious and touristic site of Khaptad. The camp was conducted during the Gangadashahara Mela at Khaptad National Park, with the summer army barracks in Gulm Khaptad, Bajura, arranging the facility in response to risks of skin infection and illness among pilgrims and visitors throughout the mela period, according to the army.
The Gangadashahara Mela is held annually on the tenth day of the bright half of Jestha (the Nepali lunar month) at Khaptad. This year, the mela took place from Jestha 10 to 12. Gulmpati Anupam Aryal of the Summer Barracks in Khaptad reported that more than 450 people availed services at the free health camp organized for the event.
According to Aryal, the health camp provided free medical check-ups, treatments, and medicine distribution to 456 pilgrims and tourists — 229 women and 227 men — over the three days. A medical team led by Technical Sub-Lieutenant Doctor Kamana Malla from the Nepali Army offered health services free of charge, focusing on the health issues faced by tourists and devotees. Oxygen supplies were also arranged for patients in need.
The army ensured comprehensive arrangements for participants, including accommodation and meals, to prevent any inconvenience. It has been organizing free health camps annually to safeguard the welfare of devotees. The Gangadashahara Mela held at Khaptad — the confluence site of Bajura, Bajhang, Achham, and Doti districts — attracted devotees and tourists this year from Sudurpashchim Province and across the country.
According to the Summer Gulm Khaptad Barracks, around 5,600 devotees were present at this year’s mela. The event was conducted safely and in an orderly manner through coordination among concerned bodies such as Summer Gulm, Khaptad National Park office, the Mid-term Area Management Committee, and Khaptad Tourism Management Committee. Religious rituals at the Khaptad Triveni Temple, volleyball competitions, horse races, and cultural programs like Deuda dances were also part of this year’s Gangadashahara Mela.
Alongside the mela, prominent religious and tourist sites within Khaptad National Park include the Triveni Temple, Khaptad Baba’s Ashram, Nag Dhunga, Patan, Khapar Dah, Kedar Dhunga, and Sahasraling. Known as “Earthly Paradise,” Khaptad is a blend of natural beauty and religious devotion.
