Bhutanese Refugee Community in Beldangi-3 Marks 141st Birth Anniversary of Mahaguru Falgunanda Lingden
The Bhutanese refugee community in Beldangi, Damak, Jhapa, observed the 141st birth anniversary of Mahaguru Falgunanda Lingden with a three-day celebration filled with devotion, cultural pride, and communal harmony.
Organized by the Kirat Mangselung Manghim, the event ran from 23 to 25 Kartik and featured sacred rituals, prayers, and cultural performances reflecting the deep respect followers hold for Mahaguru Falgunanda — the revered spiritual reformer and moral guide of the Kirat religion.
A Brief History of Kirat Mangselung Manghim
The Kirat Mangselung Manghim was inaugurated in 2075 B.S by the Kirat Dharma Guru Atma Nanda Lingden and Guru Aama Pabitra Hangma Samba Lingden through the sacred ritual of lighting the traditional lamp. Since its founding, the Manghim has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Kirat religion, culture, and traditions within the Bhutanese refugee community. It serves as a spiritual and cultural center where followers gather for prayers, festivals, and community learning — helping to pass down Kirat values and identity to younger generations.
Sacred Morning at the Mawa River
The celebration began on 23 Kartik with the Sakmura ritual at the Mawa River. Devotees gathered at dawn to release sacred leaf bundles into the flowing water, symbolizing the cleansing of negative energy, illness, and sorrow. The riverbank echoed with devotional chants and prayers for peace, prosperity, and collective well-being.
Ashta Havan for Peace and Harmony
On 24 Kartik, religious leaders led an Ashta Havan (holy fire ritual) at the Manghim premises inside the camp. The ritual — marked by incense, offerings, and recitations — was dedicated to global peace, unity, and spiritual awakening. Speakers highlighted Mahaguru Falgunanda’s teachings on truth, compassion, and coexistence, calling them timeless principles that continue to guide the community.
Prayers, Goodwill, and Cultural Unity
The concluding day, 25 Kartik, featured a Subhakamana Adhan-Pradhan (prayers and goodwill exchange) followed by vibrant cultural programs. The Kirat Rai Yayokkha performed the traditional Sakela dance, while the Hindu Society of Bhutanese Refugee Beldangi presented soulful bhajans, reflecting a spirit of interfaith harmony and shared heritage.
Community elders, youth, and religious leaders exchanged blessings and shared reflections on Mahaguru’s enduring contributions. Organizers said the celebration helped preserve cultural roots while strengthening social bonds among different faith and ethnic groups within the refugee settlement.
Mahaguru Falgunanda’s Legacy
Born in 1885 in Ilam, eastern Nepal, Mahaguru Falgunanda Lingden is revered as a great reformer and spiritual leader of the Kirat community. He preached moral discipline, environmental respect, equality, and the preservation of indigenous traditions. His teachings continue to inspire Kirat followers in Nepal and across the global diaspora, including Bhutanese refugees in camps and resettled communities worldwide.
For the Bhutanese refugee population in Beldangi, this anniversary was more than a religious observance — it was a reaffirmation of identity, resilience, and unity. Organizers expressed hope that such events will help pass down Mahaguru’s message to younger generations and strengthen harmony across the community.