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Kathmandu, Feb 1: The month-long Swasthani Brata Katha is concluding across Nepal on Sunday with Magh Shukla Purnima, marking the end of one of the most widely observed Hindu fasts in the country.

Observed since Poush Shukla Purnima, the ritual involves daily worship of Lord Mahadev along with Goddess Parvati and the recitation of the Swasthani Katha. The narrative, drawn from the Kedara Khanda of the Skanda Purana, is traditionally presented as a dialogue between Kumar and Agastya and comes to an end today.

Devotees complete the fast by performing prescribed rituals, offering 108 sacred threads, betel nuts, betel leaves, flowers, breads, rice grains, fruits, incense, lamps, vermilion, sandalwood paste, clothes, and donations. Arghya is offered to the goddess with prayers for wishes to be fulfilled. As per tradition, part of the offerings is given to the husband, or to a son if the husband is absent, or immersed in a nearby sacred river.

The final day includes a fruit-based fast and an overnight vigil, during which the glory of Goddess Swasthani is recited. The observance is believed to bring healing, reunion of separated couples, and fulfilment of marriage-related wishes. Scriptures describe Goddess Swasthani as golden-hued, three-eyed, seated on a lotus throne, and holding a lotus, sword, shield, and a blessing gesture.

Historian Prakash Shrestha Sakwa said the text also recounts the story of Goma Brahmani, who overcame the loss of her son through the fast, and whose son later ruled the Lavanya region, present-day Sankhu.

According to Prof Dr Devmani Bhattarai of Nepal Sanskrit University Valmiki Campus, the ritual formally concludes after midday worship, an overnight vigil, and immersion of offerings in a river on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, the month-long Madhav Narayan Brata at Shalinadi in eastern Kathmandu Valley is also ending today. About 162 women and 15 men observed the fast. The Newar community marks the day as Si Punhi.

People’s News Monitoring Service