Floods from Bhotekoshi River Trim Pilgrim Turnout at Pashupatinath During Teej

Kathmandu’s holy Pashupatinath precinct saw noticeably fewer devotees this year as the Bhotekoshi River floods constrained travel and disrupted the annual Teej observances. The monsoon‑driven surge along the Bhotekoshi watershed has caused landslides and road blockages throughout eastern Nepal, forcing many families to postpone pilgrimages to the sacred Shiva shrine. Organisers noted a drop in footfall compared with previous years, and some traditional Teej rituals – such as the communal singing of folk songs and the sharing of festive meals – were scaled back or relocated to safer neighbourhoods.

For the South‑Asian diaspora, Teej remains a key cultural touchstone, connecting women across continents through shared prayers for marital bliss and well‑being. News of the floods travelling through community networks highlights how environmental challenges at home can affect religious practice and collective memory. NGOs and diaspora groups are already coordinating relief messaging and encouraging donations for flood‑affected families in the region.

While the waters recede, the community hopes the temple will welcome its full throng again next year, and that the resilience shown during this setback will reinforce ties between Nepal’s heartland and its global Desi population.