KATHMANDU, Jan 29: Devotees observing the Madhavnarayan fast took a ritual bath in the Bagmati River at Pashupatinath on Wednesday morning.
The devotees, who began their observance in the ancient town of Sankhu, reached Pashupatinath on Tuesday evening. The one-month-long Madhavnarayan fast includes ritual prayers and bathing in various rivers and ponds across the Kathmandu Valley.
Sakela Ritual in Rai community
The fast starts on the full moon day of the Poush month (December–January) and continues until the full moon of Magh (January–February). Devotees cut their fingernails the day before the full moon, fast completely, bathe in the river early on the full moon morning, perform prayers, and drink water from a conch shell while chanting mantras.
After chanting the mantras and drinking the conch water, devotees refrain from touching anyone or wearing shoes, following tradition. It is believed that the Madhavnarayan pooja must be performed for the fast and rituals to be completed. Performing the Madhavnarayan and Swasthani poojas is believed to bring happiness, peace, and prosperity.
During the month-long fasting period, devotees travel on foot to pilgrimage sites such as Pashupati, Pharping, Dakshinkali, Banepa, Panauti, and Shankhamul for darshan (spiritual visits).
