Editorial photo #11994405 Religion and Belief
Nepali Hindu Devotees Undergoing Arduous Fasting Of Swosthani In Nepal Embark On “Pardes Yatra” Touring Temples
Nepali Hindu devotees undergoing Swosthani Brata Katha rituals stand on the embankments of the Bagmati River to prepare a ritualistic bath as they begin ''Pardes Yatra'' from Pashupati in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 29, 2025. They travel about 13.5 kilometers on foot to Pashupatinath Temple as part of their first ''Pardes Yatra,'' which is a part of the ritual performed while undergoing the month-long arduous Swosthani Brata (fasting). According to tradition, women undertaking the month-long Swosthani Brata travel to Narayan and Shiva temples inside and in other districts adjoining Kathmandu in groups. The fasting devotees, barefoot, reach Bajrayogini, Pashupatinath, Shesha Narayan of Pharping, Panauti, and Changunarayan, performing rituals. Devotees who fast for a month do not eat foods cooked by others, which also exclude salt and other spices. They only eat rice, beaten rice, sugar, ghee, sugar candy, molasses, spinach from Patan, and peas among those considered sacred. The annual ritual of Swosthani Brata Katha starts from the full moon day of Poush (9th Month of the Lunar Calendar), initiating the recitation of the religious sermons. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)
