Nepal and India share centuries old, deep rooted cultural ties, one notable example being the Khichadi Yatra, a sacred journey from the Gorakhnath Temple (Cave) in Gorkha, Nepal, to the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, India.
According to tradition, the Khichadi Yatra is formally completed in Gorakhpur on 1 Magh, after the sacred Khichadi, prepared with 14 types of grains brought from Gorkha, is ceremonially offered at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur with traditional rites. The journey commences from Gorkha on 29 Poush and officially concludes in Gorakhpur on 1 Magh. This ritual symbolizes spiritual continuity, shared heritage, and mutual reverence between the two nations.
The Yatra is jointly organized by the Guru Goraksanatha Foundation and the National Cow Protection Association with the cooperation and support of Gorkha Municipality, and is coordinated and managed by the Gorkha Durbar Care Office. Before two decades when Nepal was ruled by the monarchy, the Narayanhiti Palace used to send the Khichadi to Gorakhpur from Nepal. But after the fall of the monarchy, the people and organization of Gorkha has revived this tradition in coordination with the Indian side.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Dr. Subhendu Gupta, Chairperson of the Guru Goraksanatha Foundation, stated that the Khichadi Yatra plays an important role in strengthening Nepal–India relations by reinforcing shared spiritual traditions, cultural harmony, and people to people connections.
This year the tradition of Khichadi Yatra has been officially reinstated through the Gorkha Durbar Care Office, with the support of the Guru Goraksanatha Foundation, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Nagar Nigam, Gorakhpur (India), Shree Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur (India), and other concerned stakeholders, continuing the legacy in a modern, institutional framework while honoring its historical roots.
