KATHMANDU: A nationwide religious procession has begun from Muktinath in Mustang district to promote religious tourism, foster national unity and preserve Nepal’s Vedic traditions, while also supporting the establishment of a Vedic university.

The ‘Shree Gajendramoksha Narayan Muktinath Rath Yatra’, initiated by Swami Kamalnayanacharya, Head of the Muktinath shrine, began last Sunday.

Organized by the Nepal Pilgrimage Site Development National Committee at his initiative, the procession has already passed through Panchakot in Baglung district.

The religious journey will travel from Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the west, covering various religious, cultural and historical sites across the country before concluding on November 15 at Shree Gajendramoksha Dham in Trivenidham, Nawalpur.

Swami Kamalnayanacharya shared that the campaign aims to go beyond religious observances by promoting national unity, social harmony and mutual tolerance.

It also seeks to preserve traditional cultural values and familiarize younger generations with Nepal’s rich religious heritage, the religious leader mentioned.

The initiative is expected to strengthen cultural and religious ties among historic pilgrimage destinations, encourage domestic tourism and pilgrimage travel, and support local economic activities, he added.

Holy water and prasad (sacred offerings) from Muktinath will be distributed to devotees along the procession route.

A grand Mahayagya, a major Vedic fire ritual, will begin at Shree Gajendramoksha Dham on November 15 to support the establishment of a Vedic university in Nepal.

The religious ceremony will continue until mid-December. Swami Kamalnayanacharya has urged devotees and people interested in Sanatan culture to visit the procession’s stops, receive blessings and join the campaign.