KANCHANPUR: The Gaura festival began in the Far-West region including Kanchanpur from Thursday. It is one of the most famous festivals observed in the region.

Gaura festival normally falls in month of Bhadra (August/September), according to Lunar Calendar.

During the festival, women observe fast and worship goddess Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva for their husband’s good health and long life.

The first day began with the women soaking five kinds of cereals in one copper utensil. The mixture of the five seeds of wheat, pea, mass dal, gahat and guraus is locally known as Biruda, which is one of the delicacies of the festival.

Another attraction of the three-day festival is the Deuda dance where participants hold hands and form a circle as they step-dance to traditional music.