PARBAT: Hindu devotees have begun the Chaturmas fast by planting Tulsi (holy basil) saplings in their homes today on the occasion of Harishayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi.
The Chaturmas festival, observed for four months, also begins from this day. To mark this sacred occasion, people have been taking ritual baths in the holy Kaligandaki River since early morning.
Bathing fairs have been organized along the riverbanks at religious pilgrimage sites including Modibeni, Setibeni Dham, Purtighat, Gopang, Nayapul, Khaniyaghat, Milanchowk, and Waribeni.
A special program featuring bhajans and kirtans has been held at Modibeni Dham, located at the confluence of the Modi and Kaligandaki rivers.
Devotees from across districts such as Parbat, Baglung, Syangja, and Kaski have flocked to Modibeni, while Setibeni—renowned for the sacred Shaligram stones—is drawing pilgrims from Baglung, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Gulmi, and beyond.
Setibeni lies at the junction of Parbat, Syangja, and Gulmi districts and borders both Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.
The Kaligandaki River is the only river from which Shaligram stones flow down from Muktinath, and it is revered as an incarnation of Lord Bishnu.
There is a deep-rooted belief that bathing in the Kaligandaki and worshipping at the Narsingh Temple in Modibeni grants spiritual salvation. Devotees believe that such a ritual bath is as meritorious as donating a thousand cows.
Bhajan and kirtan sessions are also held at both Modibeni and Setibeni as part of the Ekadashi celebrations.
It is customary to plant Tulsi saplings in household shrines after returning from the river bath. The Tulsi plant holds immense religious significance and is also valued for its health benefits.
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