Nepal

The Narayangadh-Muglin road section, which has closed for four hours daily for the upgradation work, will remain open on January 14 and 15 for the Maghe Sankranti fair at Devghatdham. 

Maghe Sankranti, one of the festivals of the Hindus, falls on January 15 this year. 

Chief District Officer Asman Tamang said the four-hour afternoon traffic closures on those two days would be rescheduled. Due to the enormous number of pilgrims traveling to Devghatdham, the route will remain open.

Currently, the 33-km road section is closed from 11am to 3pm as the sidehill is being chisselled for the construction of bridges. Devotees from all across the country as well as neighbouring India visit Devghat to take a sacred bath.

Badri Adhikari, the chairperson of the Devghat Area Development Committee, estimates more than 500,000 devotees in Devghat this year. The Hindus believe that taking a holy dip in Devghat during the Makar Mela will bring good fortune.