Editorial photo #11994422 Religion and Belief
Nepali Hindu Devotees Undergoing Arduous Fasting Of Swosthani In Nepal Embark On “Pardes Yatra” Touring Temples
The reflection of Nepali Hindu devotees undergoing Swosthani Brata Katha appears in the flowing Bagmati River 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 ritual performed during the month-long Swosthani Brata (fasting). According to tradition, women undertaking the month-long Swosthani Brata travel in groups to Narayan and Shiva temples within and around Kathmandu. The fasting devotees, barefoot, reach Bajrayogini, Pashupatinath, Shesha Narayan of Pharping, Panauti, and Changunarayan to perform rituals. Devotees who fast for a month do not eat food cooked by others, excluding salt and other spices. They only eat rice, beaten rice, sugar, ghee, sugar candy, molasses, spinach from Patan, and peas, which are considered sacred. The annual ritual of Swosthani Brata Katha starts on the full moon day of Poush (the 9th month of the Lunar Calendar), initiating the recitation of religious sermons. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)
