Month-long Swasthani Brata Katha concludes (photos)
On the final day, a large gathering of devotees thronged Shalinadi in historic Sankhu, Kathmandu, to participate in the ritual.
KATHMANDU: The month-long rigorous Hindu spiritual observance, Shree Swasthani Brata, concluded ceremoniously on Magh Shukla Purnima.
Beginning from Poush Shukla Purnima, the observance spans an entire month, during which devotees worship Goddess Swasthani and listen to the sacred Swasthani Bartakatha.
On the final day, a large gathering of devotees thronged Shalinadi in historic Sankhu, Kathmandu, to participate in the ritual.
Among the Newar community, the conclusion of this brata is traditionally celebrated as ‘Mihga Puja’.
Devotees residing by Shalinadi throughout the month only consider their brata complete after performing this unique ritual.
According to Newar cultural expert Jeevan Shrestha, “For those observing the brata at Shalinadi, Mihga Puja is essential. Only after performing this ritual can devotees return home purified and receive the full blessings of the brata.” A distinctive feature of the Mihga Puja involves offering eggs as a symbolic sacrifice, which are then cooked and consumed as prasad.
The Swasthani Bratakatha narrates that in the Satya Yuga, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas, undertook this rigorous observance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Since then, it has been believed that observing this brata fulfills devotees’ wishes.
Traditionally, women participate by reciting the Swasthani story at home, performing ritual baths at noon, worshipping Lord Shiva, and consuming only fruits and light food throughout the month.
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