Preparations for Swasthani Bratakatha completed

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 24: Preparations for the month-long religious observation of Shree Swasthani Bratakhata, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Swasthani marked by abstention from food and recitation of the Swastani story have been completed, according to the Shree Madhavnarayan Swasthani Fasting and Salinadi Management Committee. 

Nepali Hindus observe the festival by worshipping the goddess Swasthani, fasting for a month and reciting the holy Swasthani book. 

Swastathini Bratakhata narrates the story of lord Shiva and goddess Parvati with a side of didacticism to live a virtuous life.

Around 207 women and men have registered their names to observe fasting which begins on Thursday. The number of devotees is expected to rise in the coming days, as devotees observe the fasting four days after the full moon day, said Mijendra Kaji Shrestha, president of the committee. 

The ritual of fasting and recitation of the holy Swastani book is usually observed from one full moon to the consecutive full moon day next month. All preparations have been made for the month-long worship on the bank of the Sali River at Sankhu, about 20 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu, he said. 

He said the committee would need over Rs. 2.5 million to organise the fair, manage puja items, colour and repair works. They also need to spend for the management of the journey to fasting devotees, accommodate the volunteers and supply firewood and hay to the devotees.   

Expenses required by the devotees to visit Changu Narayan, Pashupati, Panauti, and Pharping have also been managed, he added.

Guthi Sansthan has provided Rs. 200,000 and additional expenses are managed from donations made by the devotees, he said.       

The Sali River has a special significance during this fasting, as a sacred healing and wish-fulfilling site. It is believed that the married women who observe the fast will be blessed with a happy conjugal life and the unmarried women are believed to be blessed with suitable marriage partners.

Men and women of all ages observe this month-long fasting wishing for a prosperous life, perpetual luck, and happiness.