Devotees worshipping Saptarishis in Rishi Panchami (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Hindu women have been celebrating Rishi Panchami across the nation. Rishi Panchami, which is observed on the day of Bhadra Shukla Panchami, is celebrated by worshipping the seven sages known as seven rishis or Saptarishis.

In the early morning, women brush their teeth 365 times by Dativan (the name of a plant identified with Achyranthes aspera) and bathe with cow dung, mud, and ashes in the nearby rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Sapta Rishi Kashyap, Atri, Bharadwaj, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, and Gautam are worshipped along with Arundhati. Rishi Panchami carries religious, mythological, and cultural significance.

People believe, that one who fasts in the Rishi Panchami, helps them to purify the body and mind and helps in religion, faith, and spiritual advancement.

Likewise, after taking a bath and worshipping, there is a ritual of fasting for one day, by eating just uncultivated grains such as Sama, Kanguno (Foxtail Millet), Kandmool, and Karkalo (Taro Leaves).

(Glimpses of Rishi Panchami celebration) 

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)    

Nepali version of the photo story