Swasthani Bratakatha observed in Nepal

Published February 12, 2016
Devotees holding water pots wait to fill water, which is considered holy, from the Triveni River. ─ Reuters
Devotees holding water pots wait to fill water, which is considered holy, from the Triveni River. ─ Reuters
Devotees gather around the fire near the bank of Triveni River to keep warm after taking a holy bath. ─ Reuters
Devotees gather around the fire near the bank of Triveni River to keep warm after taking a holy bath. ─ Reuters
A devotee crosses Triveni River. ─ Reuters
A devotee crosses Triveni River. ─ Reuters
A devotee carrying a child takes part in the Swasthani Bratakatha festival. ─ Reuters
A devotee carrying a child takes part in the Swasthani Bratakatha festival. ─ Reuters
A devotee stands on hay to keep her feet warm after taking a holy bath. ─ Reuters
A devotee stands on hay to keep her feet warm after taking a holy bath. ─ Reuters
A child holding a butter lamp. ─ Reuters
A child holding a butter lamp. ─ Reuters
A devotee covers herself with a shawl to keep warm after taking a holy bath in the Triveni River. ─ Reuters
A devotee covers herself with a shawl to keep warm after taking a holy bath in the Triveni River. ─ Reuters

KATHMANDU: Hindu devotees take part in the Swasthani Bratakatha festival in Panauti near Kathmandu, Nepal.

During the month long festival, devotees recite one chapter of a Hindu tale daily from the 31-chapter sacred Swasthani Brata Katha book that is dedicated to God Madhavnarayan and Goddess Swasthani, alongside various other gods and goddess and their miraculous feats.

The devotees go on pilgrimages to various temples, perform religious rituals, take a holy bath in the rivers and fast for a month, especially among women who believe fasting helps in their family's well-being or in getting them a good husband.

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