Dipayal Silgadhi-Doti formerly called Doti District is located in province 7 of the far-western region of Nepal. It is the border between Achham and Surkhet to the East, Dadeldhura, and Baitadi to the West, Bajhang to the North, and Kailali to the south. Geopolitically, Doti is administratively divided into 2 municipalities and 7 rural municipalities.

Doti is a district in the Far-Western Development Region of Nepal, located in the Seti Zone. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and natural beauty, with hilly landscapes, forests, and rivers. Doti is one of the oldest regions in Nepal, once part of the ancient Katyuri kingdom, and later the Doti Kingdom, from which it gets its name. The district is predominantly rural, with agriculture being the main livelihood of the local people.

Key Features:

1. Historical Importance: Doti was once a sovereign kingdom ruled by the Raika kings, before being annexed by the Gorkhali forces during the unification of Nepal in the 18th century. The region has deep historical roots, with connections to the Katyuri dynasty of Uttarakhand, India.
2. Cultural Heritage: Doti is home to the Doteli culture, with unique traditions, language (Doteli), and festivals. The people are known for their folk music and dances, such as Deuda, which is popular in the Far-Western region.
3. Natural Beauty: The district is characterized by its scenic hilly terrain, lush greenery, and numerous rivers, including the Seti River. It also offers stunning views of the Himalayan range.
4. Economy and Livelihood: Agriculture is the backbone of Doti’s economy, with the cultivation of crops such as maize, millet, and wheat. The district is slowly progressing in terms of infrastructure and development, with ongoing efforts to improve transportation, health, and education services.
5. Tourism: Though relatively underdeveloped in terms of tourism, Doti has great potential with attractions like temples, traditional villages, and trekking routes. Temples like Shaileshwari Temple and Badikedar Temple hold religious significance for the locals.

Overall, Doti District reflects a blend of history, culture, and nature, offering a glimpse into the life and traditions of rural Nepal.

Almost all areas of Doti lie in the Mid-hill area, and a few areas lie on Terai and high hills. The lowest elevation point is 600 meters and the highest elevation point is 4,000 meters from the mean sea level. Seti, Thuligadh, Kalgad, Sahiligad, and Gandakigad are the main rivers flowing in Doti.

Cultural Aspects of Doti:

1. Language:
   • The local language is Doteli, a dialect of the Kumaoni language, which is part of the broader Pahari language group spoken in the hills of Nepal and northern India.
   • Doteli is widely spoken in the district and is a key part of the cultural identity of the people.
2. Festivals:
   • Deuda Dance: One of the most prominent cultural expressions in Doti is the Deuda dance. This is performed during major festivals like Gaura Parva and Dashain. In the Deuda dance, people hold hands to form a circle and sing traditional songs, expressing themes of love, sorrow, and unity.
   • Gaura Parva: A major festival celebrated by the Doteli people, especially in the Far-Western region. This festival honors the goddess Gaura (a form of Parvati) and is marked by ritual fasting, worship, and group dancing.
   • Dashain and Tihar: Like other parts of Nepal, the two biggest Hindu festivals are widely celebrated. They involve the worship of the goddess Durga, family gatherings, and various local customs.
3. Music and Dance:
   • Traditional Doteli folk music plays an important role in social and religious ceremonies. Folk songs, known as Bhailo and Deusi, are often sung during Tihar.
   • Bhuwa dance is another significant cultural performance, particularly performed in the temples and during religious events.
4. Cuisine:
   • The cuisine in Doti is simple and heavily reliant on locally grown produce. Dhido (a porridge-like dish made from maize or millet) and Gundruk (fermented leafy greens) are staples.
   • Sel Roti (a traditional fried rice bread) is common during festivals and special occasions.

Famous Places in Doti:

1. Shaileshwari Temple:
   • This is one of the most revered temples in the Farwestern region, located in Dipayal, the district headquarters of Doti. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Shaileshwari, a local form of the Hindu goddess Durga. Pilgrims from far and wide visit the temple, especially during Dashain to offer prayers and seek blessings.

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2. Badikedar Temple:
   • Situated on the bank of the Seti River, Badikedar is an important religious site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple holds great significance, especially for those practicing Hinduism, and hosts major religious festivals like Shivaratri and Teej.
3. Khaptad National Park:
   • Though Khaptad National Park spans several districts, including Doti, it is a major attraction for nature lovers. The park is known for its stunning landscape, diverse flora and fauna, and spiritual significance. It was also the meditative home of the famous Hindu sage Khaptad Baba. The park offers an unspoiled trekking experience and is rich in biodiversity.

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4. Dipayal Silgadhi-Doti:
   • Dipayal Silgadhi-Doti is the district headquarters and a key urban center in Doti. Silgadhi is a historic town and has long served as an important trading post in the Far West. The town reflects both the modern developments and historical essence of the region, with old-style homes and temples.

     

5. Gurukhola Dham:
   • Another important religious site in Doti, Gurukhola Dham is known for its tranquil setting and spiritual atmosphere. This place attracts devotees who seek blessings and participate in the religious activities organized during festivals.
6. Lattheswor Mahadev Temple:
   • Situated in the hilly terrain, Lattheswor Mahadev is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The scenic beauty surrounding the temple and its religious importance make it a popular destination for pilgrims.

Dipayal Silgadhi-Doti

Dipayal Silgadhi-Doti is the headquarters of the Doti District. Almost all the administrative offices are here in Dipayal Silgadhi Municipality.

How far is Dipayal Silgadhi ?

Dipayal Silgadhi-Doti is around 800 km. far from Kathmandu. There is no direct bus route from Dipayal Silgadhi to Kathmandu. So either you have to go to Dhangadi from Dipayal Silgadhi and take a bus to KTM or you can wait for the Bajura bus that travels directly to Kathmandu as per this date. The local microbus can be found from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. from Dipayal Silgadhi to Dhangadi. You can easily find the hotels in Dipayal Silgadhi like Saileswori and Lord Buddha, Bhandari, and many more. Dipayal Silgadhi is the gateway and the fastest route to Khaptad National Park.

More Places in a visit to the Doti district

• Dipayal Bazar
• Seti bridge
• Baglek
• Shaileswari Temple
• Budar jharna
• Tudikhel
• Silgadhi Bazar
• Bhuvan Dada
• Shantinagar
• Khaptad National park
• Simikot
• Malikasthan,
• Jorayal,
• Lana kedareshwar,
• Seti river
• B P Nagar
• Shiva Temple

Doti district Municipality

• Dipayal Silgadhi Municipality
• Shikhar Municipality
• Purbichauki Rural Municipality
• Badikedar Rural Municipality
• Jorayal Rural Municipality
• Sayal Rural Municipality
• Aadarsha Rural Municipality
• Dr. K. I. Sing Rural Municipality
• Bogatan Rural Municipality

Here is a photo gallery of Dipayal Silgadhi, Doti

Dipayal Silgadhi, Doti

Sital Danda - Dipayal Silgadhi, Doti

bhuvan danda mandir ratauli silgadhi bajar doti

Video of Dipayal Silgadhi.

Here is the video of KTM-DOTI

Check out my other posts too.

• DIPAYAL BAZAR | दिपायल बजार | DOTI – FARWEST PROVINCE
• SAILESHWORI TEMPLE | DIPAYAL SILGADHI, DOTI
• Khaptad National Park

• ACHHAM, RAMAROSHAN, MANGALSEN BAJAR – FARWEST NEPAL

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