KATHMANDU, Oct 22: Locals of Khokana in Lalitpur are observing the festival of Rudrayani which is popularly known as the “Sikali Jatra”. The locals celebrate the festival instead of Dashain though they follow the dates and astrological beliefs similar to Dashain.

Celebrated for five days, the Jatra begins on the day of Ghatasthapana (the first day of Dashain festival) and concludes on the day of Fulpati. During the festival, the people pay their homage to the patron deity of the town of Khokana, the goddess Rudrayani who is commonly known as Maheshvari. She is believed to be the strength of Lord Mahesh (Shiva) also known as Maheswar. She is also a form of goddess Parvati and is known by many names such as Rudrayani, Shankari, Shivani and Maheshi which are derived from the names of Lord Shiva, Rudra, Shiv, Shankar and Mahesh.

Here are the photos taken during the festival celebration on Thursday afternoon. 

 
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• Khokna
 
• Nepal
 
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