Rishi Panchami being observed with huge fanfare today (Photos)

KATHMANDU, September 11: The Hindu women across the country are observing the Rishi Panchami festival on Saturday. 

The festival, which marks the conclusion of the Teej, is observed on the fifth day of the bright half moon of the month of Bhadra, as per the lunar calendar.

Hindu women reaching their menstruation period observe this festival with due respect and importance by fasting and paying homage to the Saptarshis (seven powerful saints as per the Hindu mythology) with a belief that they will be blessed and forgiven for all sins they believed to have committed during the menstrual cycle. 

Devotees observing the festival wake up early in the morning, go to a nearby river, stream, pond and lake and take holy baths. 

Apamarga, a medicinal plant, cow dung and soil collected from sacred places and ash are used to clean their bodies.

Rishi Temples and Shiva Temples are thronged by devotees across the country on this day.

Here are some pictures taken by Ratopati photojournalist: