The festival that begins with the start of full moon in the month of Poush, the ninth month according to Nepali calendar, commenced on January 03, 2018 this year.

As part of the tradition, devotees take dips in holy waters during the festival as a tribute to Goddess Swasthani.

Marking the commencement of the festival, a large number of Hindu devotees thronged at Hanumante River in Bhaktapur on January 03, 2018.

As part of a special custom, young boys dressed in traditional attire take part in a long procession around the town with oil lamps on head, hands and shoulders.

Devotees also recite holy scriptures and also sing songs dedicated to Hindu deities Shiva and Swasthani.

As part of the rituals, women pray for the longevity of their husbands by observing fasts all through the month. ‘

The 30-day-long fast is called Brata in Newari and Nepali languages, and only involves a combination of grains used for the festival.

Finally, the festival concludes with the Ashwamegha Yagya, where devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva throughout the night.

On this special day, offerings such as sweets and flowers, among others are presented in 108 pieces and distributed among male members of the family or immersed in holy waters.

Also known as the Swasthani Brata Katha festival, the festival usually falls during January-February and ends on the full moon day.

This month-long annual Nepali festival is dedicated to Lord Madhav Narayan or Goddess Shree Swasthani.

The post Nepali Hindus Observe Madhav Narayan Festival appeared first on Nepali Sansar.

Fulpati is the second most important event of the 15-day long Dashain festival, celebrated on the seventh day after Ghatsthapana.

As part of the ritual, an assortment of jamara, belpatra, banana stalks and sugarcane sticks tied with red cloth, along with Kalash (filled with holy water on the Ghatsthapana day) is carried to Dashainghar in Hanuman Dhoka of Basantapur, Kathmandu on a decorated palanquin.

Following the tradition, six men of the Magar indigenous nationality carry Fulpati from Gorkha Durbar of the Gorkha district to Jivanpur in Dhading, which is then carried to Kathmandu by six other men belonging to the Kathmandu Brahman community.

Gurujyuko Platoon, Nepali police, Nepali Army and related high-ranking officials, panchebaja bands, decorated kalsyoulis, Asha Gurja team and a special procession in cultural attire leave Hanuman Dhoka for Jamal, to receive Fulpati.

Marking the Fulpati day celebration, the Nepali Army stages a parade at Tundikhel in Kathmandu and various government officials including high-level officials like President offer Tika and Jamara on the occasion.

According to Hanuman Dhoka Herchar Addha Chief Aruna Nakarmi, the Fulpati tradition began during the King Prithvi Narayan Shah’s rule.

The post Nepal’s Biggest Festival Season: Hindus Observe Holy Fulpati Today appeared first on Nepali Sansar.