KATHMANDU, Jan 13: The month of Magh, based on the lunar calendar, holds special significance in Nepal for worshiping deities in one's surroundings, according to Vedic Sanatan tradition.
During the one-month period from Poush Shukla Purnima to Magh Shukla Purnima, various Shakti Peeths across Nepal are worshiped. A special fair is held at Shakti Peeths where Sati Devi’s limbs had fallen. From today, there is a crowd of people who take a bath in the Salinadi River in Kathmandu and begin the Swasthani Brata Katha.
Shree Swasthani Brata Katha begins (Photo Feature)
Since Sunday, the fasting people have reached Salinadi, stayed awake and taken a bath in the morning and started fasting. On the day of Poush Shukla Chaturdashi, the fast is started by cutting nails, bathing, and wearing clean clothes. In the morning, Magh bath is performed and worship of Mahadev is done in the afternoon.
In the evening, there is a tradition of hearing and reciting the story of Swasthani Brata, a dialogue between Kumar and Agastya found in the Kedara Kanda of the Skanda Purana.
For one month, devotees observe the Swasthani Brata through dedicated rituals. On Magh Shukla Purnima, the final day, offerings are made to the goddess, including 108 sacred threads (Janai), 108 betel nuts, 108 betel leaves, 108 flowers, 108 pieces of bread, 108 grains of rice (Akshata), various fruits, incense, lamps, Naivedya (sacred food offerings), sandalwood paste, red sandalwood, vermilion, clothes, and gifts, all with the prayer for the fulfillment of their wishes.
