Bala Chaturdashi: People spreading Satbeej in Shiva Temple (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Hindu Devotees are observing the festival, Bala Chaturdashi, today.

Devotees are spreading ‘Satbeej’ (different hundred seeds) in the name of the departed souls of their ancestors.

It is a ritual of Hindu culture to spread ‘Satbeej’ early on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The festival is observed on Mangsir Krishna Chaturdashi every year.

The families, whose member has been deceased, perform this ritual by visiting the Shiva Temples. There is a huge crowd of devotees performing this ritual in the Shiva temples across the nation.

Devotees, on the earlier day, wake up the whole night after offering “Mahadeepdan” in the name of deceased ancestors. Then early in the morning, people spread ‘Satbeej’ in the name of their deceased ones. According to Hindu belief, the soul will have a place in heaven if the seeds are sown in the pilgrimage of Lord Shiva.

Although there was a ritual of making Satbeej (combining a hundred seeds), nowadays Saptabeej (Rice, Barely, Sesame, Wheat, Chickpea, and Kaguno) are spread in the pilgrimage of Lord Shiva.

(Glimpses from Gokarneshwor)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)

Nepali version of the news