Hindu devotees across the nation are currently observing the month-long Shree Swasthani Brata Katha festival, devoted to goddess Shree Swasthani.

Devotees recite the holy scripture of Swasthani Brata Katha and women pray for well-being of their spouses throughout the month-long fast.

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.

THT photojournalist Skanda Gautam visits the Pashupati area, where many devotees gather to take holy dips in the Bagmati River and offer prayers to the goddess.

Devotees gather to offer prayers in Pashupati area during the month-long Swasthani Brata Katha festival, devoted to goddess Shree Swasthani, in Kathmandu on Monday, February 8, 2016. Photo: Skanda Gautam