Prime Minister Balen Shah visits Palanchok Bhagwati Temple in Kavre

Kavre, October 14, 2026 — Prime Minister Balen Shah visited the famous Palanchok Bhagwati Temple in Kavre district on Wednesday morning.

Shah was accompanied by his political adviser Kumar Ben and Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal.

Ramkaji Shrestha, ward chair of Panchkhal Municipality-9, said the prime minister arrived during the temple’s regular worship, offered prayers to Bhagwati and then departed.

Security agencies in the district had not been informed in advance about Shah’s visit to the temple. According to sources, the security personnel accompanying the prime minister were also dressed in civilian clothes.

Religious activities at Palanchok Bhagwati Temple typically increase with the start of Navaratri. The temple is regarded as one of Nepal’s prominent Shakti Peethas and attracts a significant number of devotees, particularly during Navaratri.

It has been a tradition for the head of state to visit the temple on the eighth day of Navaratri each year. Prime Minister Shah also visited the historically and religiously significant site.