Gaura Festival
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The Gaura Festival is celebrated by the Hindu peoples residing in Kumaon region in Uttarakhand and most of the middle-western & far-western part of Nepal. Gaura festival mostly falls in month of Bhadra, according to Hindu calendar (August/September).
Origin[]
There are many tales regarding the origin of the Gaura but mainly this day, the women worship goddess Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva for their husband's health and long age.[1]
Celebrations[]
The main theme of this festival is to worship goddess Gauri. Gaura is celebration starts with Biruda Panchami (fifth day of lunar calendar). On the day of Biruda Panchami married women soak five cereal also known as Pancha Biruda following specified rituals. Astami (eighth day according to lunar calendar) is another most important day of Gaura. On this day, there is prayers of Gauri and Maheshwor (Parbati and Shiva). In the afternoon, married women who soak Biruda, offer blessing to their keens for good health and prosperity. Biruda. It is supposed to give them long life and health. The deuda dance is major part of this festival in which participants hold hands and form a circle as they stepped to traditional music. Apart from the many ceremonies that happen during this festival, it is the occasion for married women to put on the sacred thread. The deuda dance is a major part of the festivities in which participants hold hands and form a circle as they step to traditional music.
Photo gallery[]
Gaura festival
Gaura festival at Baitadi district
Gaura festival at Baitadi district
Gaura festival
Gaura festival
Gaura festival at Kathmandu, Tudikhel
References[]
- ^ Gaura Parva festival celebrated in Nepal Xinhua, September 2, 2014
External links[]
- Hindu festivals
- Hindu festivals in Nepal