The month-long Godawari Singhastha Mela celebrated once in every 12 years kicked off in the district on Tuesday.

The fair began with much fanfare, with scores of visitors pouring into Godavari. Over 5 million people are expected to attend the gala. Around two million people had visited the gala 12 years ago. The fair organising committee said all necessary preparations to welcome devotees are complete.

A total of 150 security personnel including traffic police have been deployed in the area, with CCTVs placed at several locations.

Over 500 volunteers from Nepal Red cross Society and Nepal Scout are being used for the month-long gala and 25 health workers will be providing health facilities such as free  basic health check-ups for visitors.

According to the committee, routes to reach the bathing spot have been made convinient for devotees and a separate parking area has already been set up.

Two hundred stalls of eateries, handicrafts, vegetables and kitchen utensils have been placed. The district authorities have announced the ban of meat items and selling of alcohol in the core area during the festival.

To better manage the gala, a 1001-member committee has also been formed in coordination with Chief District Officer of the district Yadav Prasad Koirala.

As per traditions, Maharishi Gotama (one of the seven great sages) is considered to be the architect of the festival during the Vedic period, while in the fifth century the incumbent Kirat King had initiated the trend of celebrating the gala.