Religious leader’s ‘Tandav’ sparks chaos in Pokhara

KASKI, March 9: Controversy over a proposed religious ceremony near Fewa Lake has unsettled the otherwise peaceful tourist city of Pokhara. What initially looked like a minor dispute between the Kotihom organizer and Pokhara Metropolitan City has now escalated into a serious issue, creating clashes.

The chief organizer of the religious ceremony, Kotihome, Vijay Bhandari, known as the religious leader Bal Yogeshwar Vijay Krishna Murti, performed a Tandav in the name of the Gandaki Sat (Hundred) Kundiya Gayatri Kotihom Virat Gyaan Maha Yagya, also known as Kotihom, that intensified dispute between him and the Pokhara city authorities. A Tandav is associated with the Lord Shiva, who performed this dance when he got very angry.

The Manav Sewa Foundation, the organizer of the Kotihom, cut down trees like Banyan, Peepal, and Sammik in various areas of Pokhara-6 and Pokhara-14 to make firewood for the ritual, escalating the dispute with the Pokhara Metropolitan City.

The Kotihom, scheduled to take place at Barahi Ghat in Lakeside, Pokhara-6, from April 30 to June 9, will last for a month and a half. The conflict worsened when the Metropolitan City seized the timber, claiming the tree-cutting had destroyed public chautaris (resting places).

The Metropolitan City decided not to allow the Kotihom at the designated location, citing the organizers' lack of permission and concerns that the ritual would increase pollution. In response, Vijay Krishna Murti, the organizer, declared that he would conduct the Kotihom at the designated place at any cost. “No one can stop the yajna. No fear, intimidation, or power will make Bal Yogeshwar leave Pokhara,” he said. He then expressed his anger, warning, "I am ready to commit injustice in the name of religion."

On Friday, the Kotihom area turned into a battlefield. As the ground-breaking ceremony for the Kotihom took place, the Metropolitan Police arrived to stop it. However, the Kotihom organizers, armed and prepared, resisted, prompting the police to intervene. A scuffle broke out between the two sides, leaving 11 city police officers and 15 persons from the organizer side injured.

The dispute seems far from being resolved. Following the incident, both sides have made provocative statements instead of exercising restraint. Pokhara Metropolitan City spokesperson Motilal Timilsina stated that the city would not allow the Kotihom at Barahi Ghat in Lakeside under any circumstances. He said, “We tried to stop it because the organizers did not obtain permission from the Metropolitan City. That location is unsuitable for Kotihom. Therefore, the city has decided to block the Kotihom there, and we will enforce this decision.”

However, organizer Vijay Krishna Murti has insisted that he will conduct the Kotihom no matter what. He pointed out that since the court has ordered the Kotihom to proceed, they must be allowed to perform the ritual. The organizers have received support from the World Hindu Federation. On Saturday, the World Hindu Federation held a press conference and declared that they would carry out the Kotihom at Barahi Ghat in Lakeside under any circumstances.

During the press conference, Senior Vice President of the World Hindu Federation, Shankar Kharal, stated, "We will carry out the Kotihom. We are prepared to commit injustice if necessary." Kharal also threatened Pokhara Metropolitan City spokesperson Motilal Timilsina, saying he would have him "blown away" for opposing the Kotihom.

In an audio message to Timilsina, Kharal said, "We know how to handle this and get it done. Time doesn't always stay the same. You haven't understood the consequences of your actions. If you want to sit and discuss, we can. Otherwise, we also know what needs to be done and how to handle it."

The investigation is underway regarding the Kotihom organizers' defiance, including the Manav Sewa Foundation and its founder, Vijay Krishna Murti, in carrying out the Kotihom despite the Metropolitan City's prohibition.

The organizers have refused to comment when asked about it. However, sources reveal that they are supported by Nepal Trust, the Nepal Army, the police, and the judiciary. Some members of the World Hindu Federation suggest that former King Gyanendra might have been involved in the design, although they admit that only part of this claim holds truth.

Suspicion arises that the activities of former King Gyanendra, who has been in Pokhara for about a month, along with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) holding programs focused on Pokhara, and Durga Prasai's group organizing multiple events in the city, are linked to the Kotihom organizers' defiance in carrying out the ritual despite the Metropolitan City's prohibition. A source states, "Nepal Trust's provision of land to the organizers for the Kotihom without the Metropolitan City's permission, and the police and administration standing by during the scuffle between the two sides at the ground-breaking ceremony, confirm this connection."

A source close to the Kotihom organizers claimed that no connection exists between former King Gyanendra and the Kotihom organizers. Instead, the source asserted that Vijay Krishna Murti had arranged support from the police, army, and judiciary, which is why he believes the Kotihom will proceed in Pokhara. When asked why the police stood by during the scuffle, the source replied, "That's why the court will rule in favor of the Kotihom, and the police and administration will assist, ensuring the Kotihom takes place."