Gauchan Shrine

Sherchan, Bhattachan, Gauchan and Tulachan are the four Thakali clans that dominate the villages of Kobang and Larjung. These four clans, besides having their own specialty of food also have their own gods. And how can a god be deprived of a place to live. All the four gods belonging to each of the four clans have a shrine built for them and all of these temples have different colors. The shrine of Sherchan is white in color, the shrine of Bhattachan is black, the shrine of Gauchan is red and the shrine of Tulachan is green in color. These gods hold a great importance for the Thakali people but they are always locked up. The only time the temples are opened is during the La Phewa festival which is celebrated every 12 years. Every 12 years the deities of each temple are brought out and given a tour around the village and people celebrate the festival with great vigor that is characterized by merrymaking, singing and dancing. During La Phewa Thakalis from all over Nepal make an effort to go to their hometown to celebrate this festival. The last time the festival was celebrated was back in 2005, which means the next La Phewa festival will be held in 2017. Also, it is said that after some important people die, some of their remains are brought to their respective temples. For example, if a person from Bhattachan clan dies then his/her ashes are brought into the black temple of Bhattachan clan.