Kathmandu. The Bijili Jong (Bijuli Dhunga) area located in Langbu of Naukunda Rural Municipality-1 of Rasuwa, full of natural beauty of religious importance, is developing as a new destination for domestic tourists in recent times.

This place, which can be easily reached via Syaubari-Gumbudanda-Kalika on the Pasang Lhamu Highway, has come into the limelight due to its original legends and enchanting natural features. The area has a high hilly and mountainous climate, and one can see the beautiful Lacchryangtar and surrounding areas from this area.

According to Chandra Bahadur Galan, vice-chairman of Naukunda Rural Municipality, the local government is making planned efforts to develop the area as a major tourist center highlighting the historical and religious importance of the area. Likewise, the rural municipality can be protected and promoted, said Galan, who is also the vice-chairman of the rural municipality.

Hira Lama, a local resident, said that Bijili Jong is not only a stone mound but also a heritage of indigenous culture, rituals and civilization that have been going on since time immemorial. Lama said that the area can become one of the best tourist destinations in the country if the glory of the area and the preservation of historical folklore and religious beliefs are properly publicized.

Another local, Binod Lama, said that although the potential for tourism is high, there is still a lack of footpaths, drinking water and other necessary tourism infrastructures to reach the area. Lama pointed out that the government bodies and stakeholders should immediately emphasize on the construction of infrastructure for the development of Bijili Jong area.

Poignant mythological love story and origins

There is a poignant folklore in the local level about the origin of Bijili Jong. According to the religious legend that has been heard from the ancestors, in ancient times, there was a beautiful young woman in Nirkubhume of Sarmathali. Fascinated by her appearance, ‘Juredunga’ proposed marriage. Although the girl liked ‘Sippud’, she finally agreed to marry Juredunga at the request of her mother.

It is believed that a bird named ‘Bijili’ came from the sky and broke the golden rope of the bride and at the same moment fell from the sky and turned the bride and the entire wedding procession into stones. There is a religious belief that the Bijili Jong and the strange rocks around that area are the forms of the bride and the bride.

Mysterious natural figures and attractions

There are many other interesting natural structures in the vicinity of this tourist destination. Tavu Thudba (Horse Stone): Located near Bijili Jong and the stone is found in the shape of a horse. Lamang Stone (Garden of the Gods): Located on the east side, this place was considered to be the Garden of Heaven in ancient times.

The tunnel, about 60 meters deep in the east direction of the area, is in a long and deep mysterious state that has not yet been fully opened. It is attracting adventurous explorers. There is also a stone in the form of a serpent, around which it is believed that a live snake can be seen during religious festivals. In the ancient Satya Yuga, the gods used to provide utensils to the local people for auspicious ceremonies like marriage and bratabandha, but later the service was stopped due to people not returning it on time.

Religious beliefs, traditions, and annual fairs

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The Bijili Jong area is considered to be a very sacred and sensitive place in the local culture. Women are forbidden to climb rocks to preserve traditional purity. There is a complete ban on littering, burning meat and carrying garlic, shrimp and alcohol in the vicinity.

Every year, on the full moon day of Paush Shukla, a grand traditional fair is held here. On the day of Aunsi and Purnima, special worship is performed by shamans and lamas by offering cow’s milk. Local people from Langbu, Arukharka, Thaindore, Simbandi, Yarsa, Lachryang, Sasryu, Ghirmu and Basbanjyang participate in the fair with cultural tableaux and traditional dances. Ramesh Ghale, a local resident, said that the deity is worshiped collectively here to protect the village, fulfill the wishes and to avoid natural calamities like diseases and floods.