Kawasoti, Jan. 26: Triveni Dham in East Nawalparasi, well-regarded for its religious, historical and touristic significance, is gaining popularity among visitors. Also known as Gajendra Moksha Dham, it holds high religious importance, similar to Prayag in India, as a centre of faith and belief. According to religious beliefs, bathing in the confluence of three rivers at Triveni bestows merit and leads to salvation.

Located 25 km south-east from Bardaghat Bazar in West Nawalparasi and 15 km south from Dumkibas in East Nawalparasi, this Dham has recently become a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. However, the livelihood of fishermen who operate boats in Triveni has become risky, forcing them to seek alternative professions.

For the past two decades, it has been Rambris Sahani’s routine to arrive at Triveni Dham early in the morning and only return after sunset. Despite his age, his energy remains like that of a young man. Sahani, who has been operating a boat in Triveni, noted a decline in the number of people using boat rides in recent times.

He said, “We belong to the caste of boatmen. My father learned from my grandfather, and I learned from my father. It is an occupation we have been involved in since childhood.” He has spent his life navigating boats on this river. “You have to work until you die,” he added.

“In the past, boatmen transported goods from here. We used to deliver salt and kerosene to various cities across the country via Devghat and Narayanghat. Upon returning, we brought back household essentials like pulses, rice, fruits, and sweets. It used to yield a good income,” he said.

Now our livelihood is in crisis, Sahani said. With the construction of highways and bridges spanning various points over the river, the number of people opting for boat rides has decreased. He also expressed concern that his livelihood might come to an end with the construction of a suspension bridge.

Radheswar Sahani, another boatman at Triveni, follows a similar routine. He spends his days busy on the riverbank, rowing a boat from morning till evening. Radheswar said that in the past, Triveni used to have 15 to 20 boats, but now there are only nine boats left.

“Nothing remains as it was before, everything is changing. But here we are, waiting on the riverbank for passengers to board our boats,” he said. During the Maghe Aausi Mela, devotees from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh of India, and various places in Nepal come here to bathe and take a boat ride on the Narayani River to visit Rishi Balmiki’s Ashram inside the Chitwan National Park for worship. 

Apart from that, as per his observation, fewer people are opting for boat rides nowadays, he concluded.

Chiran Gurung, who has been operating a boat on the river to sustain his household expenses, also expresses concern about the recent lack of income.

“So far, this boat has been the sole source of household expenses. If I were to pursue something else, I lack the necessary skills,” he said. The income from this boat is vital for covering the family expenses, especially children’s education, he added.

Jhapendrashwar Bhusal, director of the Gajendra Moksha Divya Dham Development Committee, mentioned that efforts are being made to develop Triveni Dham as a tourist destination within the country, not only during Maghe Aausi Mela but also at other times when boat rides could be operated.