The Madhav Narayan festival is dedicated to religious fasting, holy bathing, and the study of the Swasthani book, a chapter or story of which is read to the assembled family each evening by priests or heads of households. Thousands of married women and dozens of male devotees finish their month-long fast for a better life and peace in the country at various temples. Women fast and pray for the longevity of their husbands’ lives and the prosperity of their families during this festival. In Bhaktapur, devotees can be seen drawing water from the Hanumante River to offer prayers to the god Madhav Narayan.
According to the Swasthani book, whoever observes the month-long Swasthani fast will have all their sins forgiven and will not have bad days in their lives. The festival honors the god Madhav Narayan and goddess Swasthani.
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