Swasthani brata kath (A baidik sanatan hindu ritual) has started from today. From Paush Shukla Purnima to Magh Shukla Purnima, Hindus recite and listen to Shri Swasthani brata Katha every day in their homes.

Nepalese, especially the Hindu women, observe the month-long festival worshiping four-handed deity Swasthani with Chakra, Trishul, Sword and Lotus in each hand at the center while Astha Matrika or eight deities of power Mahakali, Vaishnavi, Brahmi Maheshwari, Kaumeshwari, Barahi, Indrayani, and Chamunda painted around her and reciting Swasthani Brata Katha (story) everyday.

The rituals associated with the Swasthani Katha take place on the banks of rivers at various Hindu shrines across the country.On this occasion, there is a crowd of worshipers and bathers at Shalinadi in Sankhu, Kathmandu. It is believed that in the month of Magha, if you take a bath in Shalinadi and visit Madhavnarayan, you will get merit.

photojournalist: Bijaya Rai