Prashar Lake I visited if I remember correctly five years ago. Which month I do not remember but it was festival time and heavy rains. I ran to watch the holy lake and then to reach the temple to offer prayers and back to Mandi Town (48 km approx.) via hired vehicle. Since then the wish was to visit again and if possible during festival time.

An accommodation search was done. Homestay preferred at Nandli village – approx 18 from Mandi Town situated at Mandi – Prashar Road. Prashar Lake is a further 30 km.

Yes, I was riding solo via the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike. I started the journey from Shri Naina Devi Temple, Bilaspur reached Nandli Village in 6 hours total journey time covering 158 km.

The next day, I re-started the journey by Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike from Nandli Village with Manoj – caretaker of the Homestay at 4:30 am reached Prashar Lake at 6:15 am – 30 km approx. 2 hours journey because of the last 20 km not so good road condition though after crossing Nandli village road construction work was going on.

It was festival time thus devotees in large numbers going towards Prashar Lake via hire or own jeep or walking.

Upon the query about Prashar Lake fair and festivals, days knowledge was enhanced by Rajkumar Thakur – the owner of a tea stall nearby Prashar Lake. There are three festivals celebrated each year at Prashar Lake:

1. Three days festival starts one day before Sankranti day during Ashada (June month) till one day after Sankranti

2. Two days festival – Rishi Panchami in the month of August or September as per the Hindu calendar

3. Two days festival – Kashi Mela during Baisakh (April month) during the harvesting of wheat crop

During festival time devotees carry the Shuka Dev deity from Thatta Village to Prashar Lake. Various villagers also carry deities and Rath (Chariot) Yatra (journey) from their individual villages. Lots of tents and makeshift shops are made by devotees. One may stay at temple Dharamshala or place one’s own individual tent or may book a forest rest house in advance.

In short, the festival is the best time to visit if you want to watch and to know the tradition and culture.

I thank God I had an opportunity to revisit Prashar Lake again during festival time.

I wish to visit again to visit nearby temples – one is nearby and the other is inside the jungle.