The annual festival of Gahana Khojne Jatra following the myth of goddess Tundal Devi and her lost jewels kicks off with a grand procession of devotees carrying temple-like Khat, a palanquin, with Tundal Devi statue in it. Through Handigaun's winding streets, they weave their way, making stops at marked spots where town people make offerings to honor the goddess. Umbrellas sway atop the pagoda-style khat, symbolizing reverence and protection.

Throughout the procession musicians fill the air with the rhythmic beats of drums, the clash of cymbals and devotees dancing leading the procession to the Gahana Pokhara, the jewel pond. Amidst the lively sounds, devotees carry the khat into the pond, circling it thrice in a symbolic search for the lost jewels.

Once the ritual is complete, the khat is brought to the Dabali, where Mahalaxmi, Tundal Devi's sister, awaits. With ceremonial precision, Mahalaxmi's khat circles Tundal Devi's three times before she is placed in the oldest Dabali of Handigaun, where she will reside for two days.

After the ceremonies, offerings are sent to the goddess Bhairavi in Nuwakot, a symbolic gesture signaling the recovery of the lost jewels. Yet, despite the ritual, the jewels remain elusive, mirroring the cyclical nature of the myth.

According to the fables, the three sisters - Mahalaxmi, Tundal Devi, and Bhairavi went on a celestial journey. They were drawn by the beauty of Handigaun's Gahana Pokhara pond, Tundal Devi loses her jewel when swimming, sparking the timeless tale of the Gahana Khojne Jatra (lit. In quest of lost jewels).

With each passing year, the Gahana Khojne Jatra serves as a reminder of the enduring power of myth and tradition, uniting the Newar community of Handigaon in reverence for their beloved goddess and the timeless quest for lost treasures.

Gahana Khojne Jatra in Photos