Ridi Bazaar

Ridi Bazaar is at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki (a tributa  ry to the Ganges) and the Ridi Rivers. It is a holy town because Shalagram Shilas, the fossil stones associated with Lord Vishnu, are found in the river here. Other places along the Kali Gandaki River where the shalagram shilas are found are Muktinath and Jomsom. The town is mainly inhabited by Newars.

Ridi Bazaar is a pilgrimage town in which come for cremations, holy bathings in the Kali Gandaki, as pious ritual. It is believed that if one fast and performs sacrifices for three days and then take bath in the Kali Gandaki, their sins will be removed.

There is an important 18th century Vishnu temple here dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh called the Rishikesh Mandir. The Deity in this temple is a large shalagram shila, which is believed to have been found in the river. It is said that if you fast and worship here and then take bath in the Kali Gandaki, all your sins are taken away. It is near the bus station.

The important festival here is Magh Sankranti, when pilgrims bath in the sacred river. It takes place on the day of the Nepali month of Magh on January 14. It celebrates the lengthening of the day and the coming of hotter weather. The Ridi festival is held on the Ekadashi day of Kartika, the 11th day of the bright fortnight in late October or early November, during which there are processions and dancing. Extra pilgrims come on Ekadashi (the 11th day after the full and new moon) each month.

Travel
It is 28 km from Tansen by bus (2 hr), or you can walk 13 km off the road to get here from Tansen. Buses depart Tansen each morning and take two hours (Rs 50). It is a 13km trek from Tansen to Ridi Bazaar. You turn off the road a little west of the Hotel Srinagar and then get back on about 6km from Ridi. It is a 60km round-trip bike ride from Tansen to Ridi Bazaar and back.

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides