Swasthani Bratakatha: a month-long observance, commences today

KATHMANDU: The Shree Swasthani Bratakatha, a revered month-long ritual involving fasting and the recitation of the Swasthani scripture, has officially begun today, following the Poush Shuklapurnima. This festival is celebrated from the full moon of one month to the full moon of the next.

In accordance with tradition, Nepalis, particularly Hindu women, engage in this festival by venerating Goddess Swasthani, fasting, and reading the sacred text, Swasthani, which primarily recounts the tales of Goddess Swasthani, Lord Shiva, and other deities.

Participants, both married and single, initiate the ritual with a holy bath, don clean attire, trim their nails, and perform morning worship rituals before reading the stories and consuming simple meals in the afternoon throughout the month.

During this period, devotees also fast and engage in extensive worship to honor Goddess Swasthani, who is depicted in the Skanda Purana, a sacred scripture, as a four-armed deity holding a Chakra, Trident, Lotus, and Sword.

It is believed that married women who observe the fast will receive blessings for the longevity of their husbands, while unmarried women are thought to attract suitable marriage prospects. Throughout the month, women adorn themselves in red clothing and bangles, as the color red is associated with good fortune.

The rituals related to the Swasthani Katha are conducted along the banks of rivers at various Hindu shrines nationwide, including the Shalinadi River located in Shankhu, on the northeastern outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley.

On the inaugural day of this month-long festival, devotees from various regions have gathered at the banks of the Shalinadi River.