DHANGADI: Gaura festival has begun in the Far-Western region of the country including Dhangadhi. It is one of the most popular festivals observed in the region.

The festival begins from Bhadra Krishna Panchami of the Nepali calendar and lasts for four days. On the first day, idols of Gaura are established at a field and adorned with jewellery. The idol which is the representation of Goddess Parvati is then brought to the residence of locals in a procession. During the festival, houses, water spouts and roads are cleaned.

This festival marks the cultural identity of the Sudurpaschim region, informed litterateur Maniraj Joshi. Deuda songs and dances are the main attractions of the festival, which concludes on Bhadra Shukla Ashtami.