A tale of spiritual revival

During the festival, devotees recite one chapter of a Hindu tale daily from the 31-chapter sacred Swasthani Brata Katha book, that is dedicated to God Madhavnarayan and Goddess Swasthani, alongside various other gods and goddesses and the miraculous feats performed by them.

A devotee waits to perform religious rituals during the Swasthani Bratakatha festival in the woods of Changu Narayan.

A devotee smiles, as he gets ready to perform religious rituals.

During the month long festival, devotees recite one chapter of a Hindu tale daily from the 31-chapter sacred Swasthani Brata Katha book that is dedicated to God Madhavnarayan and Goddess Swasthani.

Devotees offer prayers by rolling on the street.

The devotees also go on pilgrimages to various temples, perform religious rituals, take a holy bath in the rivers and fast for a month, especially among women who believe fasting helps in their family’s well-being or in getting them a good husband.

Devotees warm themselves by a fire before taking a dip in the Hanumante River.

Devotees offer prayer as they stand on the bank of the Hanumante River.

The story of the Swasthani Brata Katha Festival is actually a series of stories. Told a chapter each day over the course of a month, it is a scripture devoted to the Hindu goddess Swasthani, who is said to grant wishes to the pure.

Rituals associated with the festival, which ended this week in Nepal, include ritual bathing and fasting, along with the telling of traditional folk stories.

Single women often take part, hoping that the goddess will find them a husband. Those already married wish for prosperity for their families. Others hope for peace.

The rituals begin with the full moon and last for 31 days. With temperatures in the low to mid teens in Kathmandu at this time of the year, a warming fire is essential to those who venture into the rivers and pools in search of their heart’s desire.