Taplejung, Nov. 24: During this Dashain, Tihar and Chhath more than 61,000 pilgrims visited Pathibhara (Mukkumalung), the famous pilgrimage site in Taplejung district. Dashain and Tihar are considered the best season to visit the temple. 

The Pathibhara Area Development Committee informed that 61,566 devotees visited the temple during the five-week festive season this year. 

Prajin Hangbang, executive director of Pathibhara Area Development Committee, said that 25,638 devotees visited the temple from the first day of the Dashain, Ghatasthapana, till the last day Kojagrat Purnima. The rest of the devotees visited the temple after Dashain.

Pilgrims, especially from Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Tehrathum and other districts come to visit the Pathibhara Temple located at an altitude of 3,794 metres above sea level. 

Additionally, people from the capital Kathmandu along with Sikkim, Darjeeling, Assam, Kolkata and other places of India also visited the temple, informed the committee.

Meanwhile, newly elected executive director of Pathibhara Area Development Committee Prajin Hangbang assumed office on Wednesday. The office is located in the district headquarters Phungling. 

Rakki Thebe, the committee’s chairperson, facilitated the assumption of office by Hangbang and extended best wishes to him for constructive activities and success during his tenure.

On the same day, the committee bid farewell to outgoing executive director Manamani Kafle and honoured him with a commendation letter. 

A meeting of the Council of Ministers on November 6 appointed Hangbang as the executive director.