Migrants returning home from India for Gaura Parva

By Our Baitadi Correspondent,Baitadi, Aug. 15: People in Sudurpaschim Province have started retuning home for Gaura Parva celebration. This year, due to ‘Astodaya’ Gaura Parva is being celebrated on two different dates, Bhadra 7 and Bhadra 21. Nepal Astrologers' Association confirmed Bhadra 7 as the most auspicious day for Gaura Parva.

The Border Police Post at Jhulaghat border said the number of people returning via Jhulaghat is very high. Sub Inspector, Jay Singh Bhat, in-charge of Jhulaghat Police Post, said each day more than 150 people are returning home via the border crossing.

Gaura Parva is considered the most important festival of Sudurpaschim Region. This festival is celebrated either during the Bhadra dark fortnight or Bhadra bright fortnight. 

Temples and their surroundings are cleaned and different programmes are being organised near the temples.

Chandra Mohan Tipari, an expert on culture, said Gaura Parva can be taken as the festival of social harmony. During the festival, people come together and share their happiness and sorrow.

Meanwhile, Biruda (a mixture containing five types of lentils) is being imported from India, said Sher Singh Bhandari, treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Baitadi. 

The reduced production of these lentils compel Nepal to import these lentils from India and lately, the production of these grains is significantly low due to the rampage of monkeys.

Gaura Parva starts after Biruda is soaked in copper utensils on the auspicious day of either Bhadra bright fortnight or Bhadra dark fortnight. 

During Gaura Parva, women observe a fast wishing for good health and long life of their spouse and sons.