KATHMANDU: The Shree Swasthani Bratakatha, a revered month-long ritual of fasting and reciting the Swasthani scripture, begins today.
Celebrated by Hindus since Poush Shuklapurnima, the festival spans from one full moon to the next.
Traditionally, Nepali Hindus, particularly women, observe the festival by worshiping Goddess Swasthani, fasting, and reading the holy Swasthani scripture, which recounts the tales of the Goddess, God Shiva, and other deities.
Devotees, both married and unmarried, start the ritual by taking a holy bath, wearing clean clothes, trimming nails, and performing morning worship before reading the stories and consuming simple meals in the afternoon throughout the month.
Fasting and extensive worship are also observed to honor Goddess Swasthani, who is depicted in the Skanda Purana as a four-armed deity holding a Chakra, Trident, Lotus, and Sword, with three eyes and riding a lion.
It is believed that married women who observe the fast will be blessed with the longevity of their spouses, while unmarried women are said to find suitable marriage partners.
During the month, women wear red clothing and bangles, as it is thought that the color brings good fortune.
The rituals associated with the Swasthani Katha are performed on the banks of rivers at various Hindu temples across Nepal, including Shalinadi in Shankhu, located on the northeastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley.
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