Click image to zoom

Nepali Hindu Devotees Undergoing Arduous Fasting Of Swosthani In Nepal Embark On “Pardes Yatra” Touring Temples

A Nepali Hindu devotee bathes the idol of Lord Madhav Narayan in the Bagmati River for a ritualistic bath in the Pashupati Temple premises in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 29, 2025. The fasting devotees travel about 13.5 kilometers on foot to Pashupatinath Temple as part of their first ''Pardes Yatra,'' which is a ritual performed during the month-long arduous Swasthani Brata (fasting). According to tradition, women undertaking the month-long Swosthani Brata travel in groups to Narayan and Shiva temples inside and in other districts adjoining Kathmandu. The fasting devotees reach Bajrayogini, Pashupatinath, Shesha Narayan of Pharping, Panauti, and Changunarayan barefoot, performing rituals. Devotees who fast for a month do not eat foods cooked by others, excluding 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 religious sermons. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11994409
Date Taken	29 January 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

Nepali Hindu devotee idol Lord Madhav Narayan Bagmati River ritualistic bathe Pashupati Temple Kathmandu fasting devotees 13.5 Kilometers foot Pashupatinath Temple Pardes Yatra ritual month long arduous Swasthani Brata tradition women travel Narayan temples Shiva temples districts adjoining group bare-footed Bajrayogini Shesha Narayan Pharping Panauti Changunarayan rituals fast food restrictions salt spices rice beaten rice sugar ghee sugar candy molasses spinach Patan peas sacred annual Swosthani Brata Katha full moon Poush Lunar Calendar recitation religious sermons.