Month-Long Swasthani Fast Concludes in Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur. The month-long Swasthani fast, which began on Poush Shukla Purnima, concluded today. The Madhavanarayan fair, held every year from Poush Shukla Purnima to Magh Shukla Purnima, concluded this morning after devotees bathed and performed puja at Triveni Dham in Hanuman Ghat, Bhaktapur.

The tradition for those observing the Madhavanarayan fast requires them to fast completely starting the day before the fast begins, bathe in the Triveni early in the morning, perform puja with pure water and ritual items, receive Shankha Jal (conch water) and chant mantras, and after receiving Shankha Jal, they must not touch anyone or wear shoes.

The recitation and listening of the Swasthani story, which is a dialogue between Kumar and Agastya found in the Magh Mahatmya section of the Skanda Purana, also concludes today.