KATHMANDU: The month-long Shree Swasthani Brata Katha festival, devoted to goddess Shree Swasthani, has begun on Saturday.

The month-long ritual and fast begin every year on the full moon day of Poush, the ninth month of Nepali calendar, and ends on the full moon day of Magh, the next month.

Women and men take holy dips in sacred rivers nearby and start Shree Swasthani Brata Katha across the country.

During the festival period, devotees will throng Sali Nadi, or the  Manohara River, in Sankhu, Kathmandu for holy bath.

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.