Kathmandu, Aug 30:Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba brought Gaura to her residence in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu on Saturday by conducting religious rituals and special worship.
Previously, she would go to her home in Dhangadhi to worship Gaura, a symbol of Goddess Parbati, but this year she conducted the rituals in Kathmandu as her Dhangadhi-based residence is under reconstruction.
Every year, Gaura is brought in by playing a musical instrument on the seventh day of Bhadra Saptami. It is customary to bring Gaura idols made of various plants as a symbol of Goddess Parbati into Gaura houses and temples with religious rituals.
Describing Gaura festival as a special cultural pride of the people of the Sudurpaschim, she said she observes a fast and worships Gaura with devotion every year. Dr Rana said that the festival carries a message of social unity, tolerance and brotherhood.
During Gaura Puja, which begins on Biruda Panchami of Bhadra Shukla Panchami and continues until Ashtami, women observe a fast and worship Shiva and Gauri.
The festival, celebrated mainly in Sudurpaschim and Karnali Provinces, is believed to be a religious ritual performed by women for good fortune, happiness, peace and prosperity.
