KATHMANDU: The month-long Swasthani Barta Katha concluded on Wednesday, coinciding with the day of Magh Shukla Purnima.
Devotees across the country had embarked on the fast from Paush Shukla Purnima, worshiping Lord Parvati and Lord Shiva every day, and now marked the end of their spiritual journey with ceremonial rites.
During this period, followers engaged in the traditional recitation of the dialogue between Kumar and Agastya from the Magh Mahatmya of the Kedar Khanda of the Skanda Purana.
On the auspicious day of Magh Shukla Purnima, devotees offered a variety of ritual items, including 108 Janai, betel nuts, betel leaves, flowers, roti, Akshata fruits, incense, lamps, clothes, and more, to the Goddess, praying for the fulfillment of their wishes.
A significant part of the ritual involves taking eight of the offered prasads to a holy river, symbolizing prayers for one’s husband, son, or betrothed son.
Along with the Swasthani Barta, the Madhav Narayan fast, which started on Paush Shukla Purnima, was also concluded on this day with the Ashwamedha Yagya at the Shali River in the eastern part of the valley.
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