KATHMANDU: Hindu women embarked on a month-long fast to worship Goddess Shree Swasthani today.

Those observing the fast recite the Shree Swasthani Brata Katha, which highlights the miracles of the goddess, in order to receive her

blessings. The scripture also contains tales about Lord Shiva, Goddess Parbati

and other Gods.

Goddess Swasthani is believed to have helped Satidevi overcome her troubles, who got a reincarnation to be the wife of Lord Shiva. The marathon worship ends with all offerings made to a holy river.

The devotees take a holy bath in the morning and wear fresh clothes, trim their finger- and toe-nails and eat only after praying and reciting. Married women observe a fast to pray for the prosperous life of their husbands while the unmarried ones fast to get a good husband. In Kathmandu, the festival takes place at Shalinadi, a river mentioned in the scripture.