Kathmandu, January 31

The month-long Swasthani Brata Katha festival dedicated to Hindu goddess Swasthani concluded today. The festival began on the full moon day of the Nepali month of Paush.

The recitation of dialogues between two mythical characters Kumar and Agashtya Rishi  narrated in the Skanda Puran, is a major part of the festival. This year, the festival had commenced on January 1.

Devotees concluded fasting before 8:55am today bearing in mind a lunar eclipse in the evening as such rituals are barred during an eclipse as per Hindu tradition.

Offerings such as holy threads, beetle nuts, fruits, delicacies, flowers, red sandalwood, vermilion powder and clothes were offered to goddess Swasthani on the concluding day of the festival. It is believed that strict observance of rituals during the festival brings the separated couple together, helps one overcome troubles and get a good spouse, among other things.

The Swasthani Katha, which has 31 chapters, is a story of how Goma Brahmani is reunited with her son Nawaraj, who later became the king of Lawanya as a result of her going through Swasthani fasting rituals. It also narrates the story of goddess Parvati, who had observed the Swasthani rituals wishing to get Lord Shiva as her husband.

Those who did not conclude the fasting at mid-day today can conclude it on Krishna Panchami (February 5), said Chairman of the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam.