Chitwan, Oct 4 : A woman clad in the attires of Goddess Durga is lying on the floor of a room of Kalika temple in Chitwan with leaf plates having jamara (a mixture of grains including corns, barleys and sesame) on both hands and breast.    

She is encircled by an enclosure with red clothes and a mosquito net. Bishnu Dhakal, 40, of Bharatpur Metropolitan City-10 is observing fasting for a cause, peace and the protection of Hindu religion. Her fasting begins coinciding with Ghatasthapana, the first day of 15 days Dashain festival.    

She is aided by her spouse Krishna. She had been on fasting for the past five years in the belief that divine power will approach her. She has been also reading human palms as well.

    
The fasting woman would offer the Jamara placed on her hands and breast to Goddess Devi temple on Nawami, the ninth day of Dashain, and her fasting will break on Dashami, the main day of the festival, by lighting 100 thousands cotton wicks soaked in cooking oil and butter, said Krishna. 

   
Engaged in fish farming as an income source, the Dhakal family has faith in religion. Bishnu did not eat anything two days before beginning fasting, said Krishna. (Photo available)