South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, Sept 4: President Ramchandra Paudel has noted that indigenous Nepali festivals play a significant role in fostering mutual harmony. Extending best wishes on the occasion of the Gaura festival, he stated that such folk traditions and cultural festivals within society have been promoting unity in diversity, social and cultural solidarity, and tolerance. President Paudel said that the Gaura festival contributes to strengthening national unity by uniting families and society, preserving culture, and fostering spiritual faith as well as happiness and peace in human life. The President has expressed the belief that this festival brings about the reunion of separated couples, fosters mutual brotherhood, and deepens the bond between husband and wife. The Gaura Parba festival is celebrated with special significance every year in the western and far-western regions of Nepal, from the fifth to the eighth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadra as per the lunar calendar. During this festival, people observe a fast and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Gaura). During the festival, ‘Biruda’—a mixture of five types of grains and legumes such as wheat, paddy, peas, black gram, and horse gram—is offered and consumed as ‘prasad’ (sacred food), with prayers offered for human well-being, agricultural prosperity, and family welfare. On the occasion of the Gaura festival, locals gather to share their joys and sorrows through traditional folk dance and songs like ‘Deuda’ and ‘Dhamari’, performed in the local dialect. —