"Hindu communities"

#12698166

31 August 2025

Nepali revelers watch the celebration of the late summer festival of ''Gaura,'' singing songs of faith and struggle while smoking in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The festival, observed for five days and led primarily by women, has roots in ancient scriptures and centers on the worship of Goddess Gaura, also known as the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her union with Lord Shiva. The word Gaura refers to Gauri, another name for Goddess Parvati, and there are more than one thousand eight hundred names of her in total. Gaura Parva commemorates Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. It marks the divine marriage between the two deities, an event mentioned in the Himavat Khanda, a segment of the Skanda Purana in Hinduism and several other Puranas. In these accounts, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya, worships Shiva through strict fasting. Her devotion eventually results in their union, which devotees continue to celebrate every year. The Manas Khanda section of the Skanda Purana places Gaura's origins in the Himalayan region, specifically among communities in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The festival is most prominently celebrated in Nepal across the far-western districts of Doti, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura. It falls in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.

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#12698172

31 August 2025

Revelers watch the celebration of the late summer festival of ''Gaura,'' singing songs of faith and struggle in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The festival, observed for five days, is led primarily by women, has roots in ancient scriptures, and centers on the worship of Goddess Gaura, also known as the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her union with Lord Shiva. The word Gaura refers to Gauri, another name for Goddess Parvati, and there are more than one thousand eight hundred names of her in total. Gaura Parva commemorates Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. It marks the divine marriage between the two deities, an event mentioned in the Himavat Khanda, a segment of the Skanda Purana in Hinduism and several other Puranas. In these accounts, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya, worships Shiva through strict fasting. Her devotion eventually results in their union, which devotees continue to celebrate every year. The Manas Khanda section of the Skanda Purana places Gaura's origins in the Himalayan region, specifically among communities in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The festival is most prominently celebrated in Nepal across the far-western districts of Doti, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura. It falls in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.

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#12698174

31 August 2025

A Nepali reveler watches the celebration of the late summer festival of ''Gaura,'' singing songs of faith and struggle in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The festival, observed for five days and led primarily by women, has roots in ancient scriptures and centers on the worship of Goddess Gaura, also known as the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her union with Lord Shiva. The word Gaura refers to Gauri, another name for Goddess Parvati, and there are more than one thousand eight hundred names for her in total. Gaura Parva commemorates Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. It marks the divine marriage between the two deities, an event mentioned in the Himavat Khanda, a segment of the Skanda Purana in Hinduism and several other Puranas. In these accounts, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya, worships Shiva through strict fasting. Her devotion eventually results in their union, which devotees continue to celebrate every year. The Manas Khanda section of the Skanda Purana places Gaura's origins in the Himalayan region, specifically among communities in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The festival is most prominently celebrated in Nepal across the far-western districts of Doti, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura. It falls in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.

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#12698176

31 August 2025

A Nepali reveler watches the celebration of the late summer festival of ''Gaura,'' singing songs of faith and struggle in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The festival, observed for five days and led primarily by women, has roots in ancient scriptures and centers on the worship of Goddess Gaura, also known as the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her union with Lord Shiva. The word Gaura refers to Gauri, another name for Goddess Parvati, and there are more than one thousand eight hundred names for her in total. Gaura Parva commemorates Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. It marks the divine marriage between the two deities, an event mentioned in the Himavat Khanda, a segment of the Skanda Purana in Hinduism and several other Puranas. In these accounts, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya, worships Shiva through strict fasting. Her devotion eventually results in their union, which devotees continue to celebrate every year. The Manas Khanda section of the Skanda Purana places Gaura's origins in the Himalayan region, specifically among communities in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The festival is most prominently celebrated in Nepal across the far-western districts of Doti, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura. It falls in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.

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#12698179

31 August 2025

A Nepali reveler watches the celebration of the late summer festival of ''Gaura,'' singing songs of faith and struggle in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The festival, observed for five days and led primarily by women, has roots in ancient scriptures and centers on the worship of Goddess Gaura, also known as the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her union with Lord Shiva. The word Gaura refers to Gauri, another name for Goddess Parvati, and there are more than one thousand eight hundred names for her in total. Gaura Parva commemorates Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. It marks the divine marriage between the two deities, an event mentioned in the Himavat Khanda, a segment of the Skanda Purana in Hinduism and several other Puranas. In these accounts, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya, worships Shiva through strict fasting. Her devotion eventually results in their union, which devotees continue to celebrate every year. The Manas Khanda section of the Skanda Purana places Gaura's origins in the Himalayan region, specifically among communities in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The festival is most prominently celebrated in Nepal across the far-western districts of Doti, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura. It falls in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.

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#12698180

31 August 2025

A Nepali reveler watches the celebration of the late summer festival of ''Gaura,'' singing songs of faith and struggle, while smoking in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The festival, observed for five days and led primarily by women, has roots in ancient scriptures and centers on the worship of Goddess Gaura, also known as the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her union with Lord Shiva. The word Gaura refers to Gauri, another name for Goddess Parvati, and there are more than one thousand eight hundred names for her in total. Gaura Parva commemorates Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. It marks the divine marriage between the two deities, an event mentioned in the Himavat Khanda, a segment of the Skanda Purana in Hinduism and several other Puranas. In these accounts, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya, worships Shiva through strict fasting. Her devotion eventually results in their union, which devotees continue to celebrate every year. The Manas Khanda section of the Skanda Purana places Gaura's origins in the Himalayan region, specifically among communities in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The festival is most prominently celebrated in Nepal across the far-western districts of Doti, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura. It falls in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.

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#12698181

31 August 2025

A Nepali reveler watches the celebration of the late summer festival of ''Gaura,'' singing songs of faith and struggle, while smoking in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The festival, observed for five days and led primarily by women, has roots in ancient scriptures and centers on the worship of Goddess Gaura, also known as the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her union with Lord Shiva. The word Gaura refers to Gauri, another name for Goddess Parvati, and there are more than one thousand eight hundred names for her in total. Gaura Parva commemorates Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. It marks the divine marriage between the two deities, an event mentioned in the Himavat Khanda, a segment of the Skanda Purana in Hinduism and several other Puranas. In these accounts, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya, worships Shiva through strict fasting. Her devotion eventually results in their union, which devotees continue to celebrate every year. The Manas Khanda section of the Skanda Purana places Gaura's origins in the Himalayan region, specifically among communities in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The festival is most prominently celebrated in Nepal across the far-western districts of Doti, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura. It falls in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.

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#12698182

31 August 2025

Nepali revelers watch the celebration of the late summer festival of ''Gaura,'' singing songs of faith and struggle while smoking in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The festival, observed for five days and led primarily by women, has roots in ancient scriptures and centers on the worship of Goddess Gaura, also known as the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her union with Lord Shiva. The word Gaura refers to Gauri, another name for Goddess Parvati, and there are more than one thousand eight hundred names of her in total. Gaura Parva commemorates Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. It marks the divine marriage between the two deities, an event mentioned in the Himavat Khanda, a segment of the Skanda Purana in Hinduism and several other Puranas. In these accounts, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya, worships Shiva through strict fasting. Her devotion eventually results in their union, which devotees continue to celebrate every year. The Manas Khanda section of the Skanda Purana places Gaura's origins in the Himalayan region, specifically among communities in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The festival is most prominently celebrated in Nepal across the far-western districts of Doti, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura. It falls in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.

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#12698184

31 August 2025

Participants dance and narrate stories while celebrating the late summer festival of ''Gaura,'' singing songs of faith and struggle in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The festival, observed for five days and led primarily by women, has roots in ancient scriptures and centers on the worship of Goddess Gaura, also known as the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her union with Lord Shiva. The word Gaura refers to Gauri, another name for Goddess Parvati, and there are more than one thousand eight hundred names for her in total. Gaura Parva commemorates Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. It marks the divine marriage between the two deities, an event mentioned in the Himavat Khanda, a segment of the Skanda Purana in Hinduism and several other Puranas. In these accounts, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya, worships Shiva through strict fasting. Her devotion eventually results in their union, which devotees continue to celebrate every year. The Manas Khanda section of the Skanda Purana places Gaura's origins in the Himalayan region, specifically among communities in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The festival is most prominently celebrated in Nepal across the far-western districts of Doti, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura. It falls in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.

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#12698185

31 August 2025

Participants dance and narrate stories while celebrating the late summer festival of ''Gaura,'' singing songs of faith and struggle in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The festival, observed for five days and led primarily by women, has roots in ancient scriptures and centers on the worship of Goddess Gaura, also known as the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her union with Lord Shiva. The word Gaura refers to Gauri, another name for Goddess Parvati, and there are more than one thousand eight hundred names for her in total. Gaura Parva commemorates Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. It marks the divine marriage between the two deities, an event mentioned in the Himavat Khanda, a segment of the Skanda Purana in Hinduism and several other Puranas. In these accounts, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya, worships Shiva through strict fasting. Her devotion eventually results in their union, which devotees continue to celebrate every year. The Manas Khanda section of the Skanda Purana places Gaura's origins in the Himalayan region, specifically among communities in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The festival is most prominently celebrated in Nepal across the far-western districts of Doti, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura. It falls in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.

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#12627351

9 August 2025

A local priest ties a Doro, or a sacred colorful thread, around the wrist of a devotee during the Janai Purnima festival or Rakchhya Bandhan in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 9, 2025. During Janai Purnima or Rakchhya Bandhan, people from the Brahmin and Chhetri communities change their Janai, a sacred thread. Similarly, people from other communities have a Doro, a sacred colorful thread, tied around their wrists. It is believed that this thread protects people from diseases and misfortune. People from Terai and India also celebrate this festival as Rakchhya Bandhan. Sisters tie attractive Rakhis on their brothers' wrists, wishing them a healthy and long life.

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#12627352

9 August 2025

A local priest ties a Doro, or a sacred colorful thread, around the wrist of a devotee during the Janai Purnima festival or Rakchhya Bandhan in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 9, 2025. During Janai Purnima or Rakchhya Bandhan, people from the Brahmin and Chhetri communities change their Janai, a sacred thread. Similarly, people from other communities have a Doro, a sacred colorful thread, tied around their wrists. It is believed that this thread protects people from diseases and misfortune. People from Terai and India also celebrate this festival as Rakchhya Bandhan. Sisters tie attractive Rakhis on their brothers' wrists, wishing them a healthy and long life.

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#12627354

9 August 2025

A local priest ties a Doro, or a sacred colorful thread, around the wrist of a devotee during the Janai Purnima festival or Rakchhya Bandhan in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 9, 2025. During Janai Purnima or Rakchhya Bandhan, people from the Brahmin and Chhetri communities change their Janai, a sacred thread. Similarly, people from other communities have a Doro, a sacred colorful thread, tied around their wrists. It is believed that this thread protects people from diseases and misfortune. People from Terai and India also celebrate this festival as Rakchhya Bandhan. Sisters tie attractive Rakhis on their brothers' wrists, wishing them a healthy and long life.

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#12627355

9 August 2025

A portrait of a local priest after tying a Doro, or a sacred colorful thread, around the wrist of a devotee during the Janai Purnima festival or Rakchhya Bandhan in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 9, 2025. During Janai Purnima or Rakchhya Bandhan, people from the Bhraman and Chhetri communities change their Janai (a sacred thread). Similarly, people from other communities have a Doro (sacred colorful thread) tied around their wrists. It is believed that this thread protects people from diseases and misfortune. People from Terai and India also celebrate this festival as Rakchhya Bandhan. Sisters tie attractive Rakhis on their brothers' wrists, wishing them a healthy and long life.

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#12627356

9 August 2025

A local priest ties a Doro, or a sacred colorful thread, around the wrist of a devotee during the Janai Purnima festival or Rakchhya Bandhan in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 9, 2025. During Janai Purnima or Rakchhya Bandhan, people from the Brahmin and Chhetri communities change their Janai, a sacred thread. Similarly, people from other communities have a Doro, a sacred colorful thread, tied around their wrists. It is believed that this thread protects people from diseases and misfortune. People from Terai and India also celebrate this festival as Rakchhya Bandhan. Sisters tie attractive Rakhis on their brothers' wrists, wishing them a healthy and long life.

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#12627363

9 August 2025

A local priest ties a Doro, or a sacred colorful thread, around the wrist of a devotee during the Janai Purnima festival or Rakchhya Bandhan in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 9, 2025. During Janai Purnima or Rakchhya Bandhan, people from the Brahmin and Chhetri communities change their Janai, a sacred thread. Similarly, people from other communities have a Doro, a sacred colorful thread, tied around their wrists. It is believed that this thread protects people from diseases and misfortune. People from Terai and India also celebrate this festival as Rakchhya Bandhan. Sisters tie attractive Rakhis on their brothers' wrists, wishing them a healthy and long life.

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