Naagchhaga: Enchanting waterfall of historical significance

A beautiful fountain of cascading water. Large white rocks lie scattered in the water, resembling serpents racing. Lush green forests surround the area. The ‘Naagchhaga’ waterfall enchants anyone who lays eyes on it. Located at the boundary between Ram Prasad Rai Rural Municipality-6 and 2, Bhojpur, this waterfall holds great historical and religious significance.

Situated about 12.6 km south of the district headquarters, this waterfall has immense potential for religious tourism. Every year, hundreds of religious pilgrims and domestic tourists from within and outside the district visit to enjoy the waterfall. However, due to a lack of systematic conservation, promotion, and development, the waterfall is slowly fading away.

The lack of proper infrastructure for tourists and pilgrims to eat, stay, and visit the waterfall has contributed to its lack of popularity. Local resident Uttam Rai believes that by enhancing the waterfall’s beauty and constructing proper infrastructure, thousands of tourists could be attracted. He complains that the waterfall’s reputation is being tarnished due to the government’s lack of interest in promoting and protecting the site. He adds that the waterfall’s existence is at risk because of the insufficient resources needed for its development.

A beautiful scene, resembling a serpent slithering on the rocks of the waterfall, can be seen. Local priest Jaiprasad Niraula highlights that the waterfall is not only visually captivating but also holds significant religious and historical importance. Every year, a large number of devotees gather to celebrate festivals and perform pujas, including on Nag Panchami, Maha Shivaratri, Ram Navami, and Balachartudashi. 

Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality, along with the then District Development Committee of Bhojpur, has constructed a paved road and some physical structures to facilitate internal tourist traffic up to the waterfall. Local Mahesh Gelal believes that with proper protection and enhancement, the waterfall could become a religious pilgrimage site, attracting external tourism and contributing to the economic development of the rural municipality.

The rural municipality has expressed its readiness to prepare a development plan, including a Detailed Project Report (DPR), to enhance the waterfall. Tham Bahadur Rai, the chairperson of the rural municipality, emphasized that since the waterfall is a historical site of significance to the entire district, the rural municipality is determined to protect and promote it. He described the Naagchhaga waterfall as a jewel for all of Bhojpur, connecting religious pilgrimage, external tourism, and economic development. Rai stated, “We have started budgeting for its enhancement as part of the new plan for this financial year.”

The rural municipality has announced plans to investigate further aspects of the waterfall’s development. Birendra Rai, the Vice-cahir of the rural municipality, said that as a place of religious faith for the locals, the goal is to develop Naagchhaga into a religious tourist destination. He added that the rural municipality is working on constructing the necessary infrastructure, and development will proceed according to the DPR.

Chairperson Rai also noted that the municipality is focusing on the development of other tourist sites, including the Behereshwar Temple, Papmakham Bhanjyang, Chulachuli Cave, and others. He emphasized that the municipality is working in a planned manner to develop and expand local resources. “Naagchhaga is a gift from nature,” said Chairperson Rai. “This waterfall is the property of our village, and we are committed to its protection. It has not been adequately publicized, but we plan to highlight its significance, establish it as a religious tourism destination, and connect the rural municipality to the economic sector.”