Srawani Sankranti Celebrated Across Nepal

Kathmandu. Celebrated on the first day of Saun according to the solar calendar, Srawani (Karkat) Sankranti is being observed across the country today with bathing and charity.

Today marks the first day of the Sun's entry into the Cancer sign after completing its transit in Gemini, and it is an ancient tradition to celebrate it across the country as Srawani Sankranti. Since the Sun moves south from Saun, the southward journey begins today. The southward journey starting on Saun 1 and the northward journey starting on Magh 1 are celebrated with special significance in the Vedic Sanatan tradition.

As most Nepalis are involved in farming, they are busy with agricultural work throughout the month of Asar. According to Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai, there is a tradition of shedding lice to prevent skin diseases caused by mud and dirt during this period.

According to tradition, there is a custom of worshipping a demon named Kandarak and throwing embers by keeping medicinal plants such as Kagbhalaayo, Kukurdaino, Luthe Jhar, Pani Amla, Lemon, Guava, and Naspaati. In Nepali society, there is a practice of rattling winnowing fans, blowing conch shells, ringing bells, and closing doors according to one's ancestral tradition when shedding lice.

The month of Saun is also considered a month for worshipping Lord Shiva. There is also a tradition of women wearing green bangles and green clothes, reflecting their closeness to nature. As the month of Saun is dedicated to Lord Shiva, devotees throng Pashupatinath and other Shiva temples across the country.