Nepal is often celebrated as a land of culture, traditions, and timeless rituals. A nation where history and spirituality walk hand in hand. Among the countless festivals that define its rich heritage, Dashain stands as the grandest, uniting Nepalis across regions, generations, and faiths. Within this festival, the ritual of Phulpati carries a special place, symbolizing both the beginning of Dashain’s most auspicious days and the continuity of Nepal’s centuries-old identity.
Early in the morning, a palanquin carrying the Phulpati .The auspicious collection of flowers, leaves, and offerings departed from the Gorkha palace. Accompanied by traditional music, guards, and ceremonial rituals, it journeyed toward Kathmandu. At Hanumandhoka, it was reverently received and placed within the premises of the palace’s Dashain House. According to religious belief, the Dashain celebrations in Kathmandu formally begin only after this Phulpati arrives from Gorkha.
This tradition traces its roots to the time of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who initiated the practice of conducting royal affairs from Hanumandhoka. Since then, every year on the seventh day of Dashain, the Gorkha Durbar sends the Phulpati to Kathmandu, and the moment of its arrival is richly celebrated. Earlier, the Phulpati journey followed footpaths via Dhading and Nuwakot; since 2066 B.S. (2009 A.D.), motor roads have been used to facilitate the journey.
In Banke district, a new tradition is being embraced: for the first time, Phulpati has been collected from multiple temples across the district and brought to Bagheswari Temple in Nepalgunj. Unlike earlier years where only security forces carried the Phulpati, various local temples such as Bhuvar Bhawani, Laxminarayan, Barfani Baba, and Santaneshwor Mahadev are sending their offerings. The move is part of an effort led by NATTA Banke and local leaders to establish a religious circuit, combining devotion with tourism.
Officials from the Bagheswari Temple Management Committee have promised preparations to welcome the influx of devotees, ensuring crowd control, smooth worship, and safety. “Even though we haven’t yet received a formal letter, we are ready to coordinate and manage the arrival of Phulpati from various temples,” said Committee Chair Gopal Prasad Adhikari.
In Kathmandu, the entry of Phulpati has drawn hundreds of devotees and dignitaries. The event reaffirms not only religious observance but also cultural continuity, highlighting Nepal’s unique heritage.
As the Phulpati now rests inside Hanumandhoka’s Dashain House, the people of Kathmandu and across the nation look forward to the remaining days of Dashain with renewed spirit, prayers, and thanksgiving.
