Shrawan’s fast commences today; Crowd of devotees in Pashupatinath (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Shrawan’s Sombar (Monday) has begun from the month of Asar this year. According to Lunar Calendar, Shrawan’s first Monday has commenced today.

In the Hindu religion, there is the tradition of observing a fast every Monday from Guru Purnima to Janai Purnima in Shrawan. This year Shrawan month consists of Adhik Maas due to which no religious activity will be performed as per the Hindu scriptures.

Nepal Panchanga Judging Committee has permitted to observe Adhik Maas, two Mondays after Guru Purnima as per the Lunar calendar.

What is Adhik Maas?

According to the Lunar calendar, Moon takes 354 days to revolve around the Earth. This duration is known as Lunar Year.

Lunar Year has 11 days less than the Solar Year. This contrast between the Lunar and Solar Year results in Adhik Mass, which results after the passage of 32 months, 16 days, 1 hour, and 36 minutes. Continuation of the addition of the difference of 11 days each year, would result in Lunar Year having one month more than the solar month. It results after three years.

With the beginning of the Adhik Maas, the fasting of Monday has also begun from today onwards. This has increased the crowd of devotees in the Pashupatinath temple.

(Glimpses of devotees in Pashupatinath)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)