Kathmandu, September 15
A large number of devotees observing the Rishi Panchami fast gathered at Risheshwar Temple in Teku, Kathmandu, from early Tuesday morning.
Risheshwar Temple in Teku is considered one of the oldest temples in the Kathmandu Valley and has traditionally drawn large crowds of devotees on Bhadra Sukla Panchami.
Rishi Panchami is observed every year on this day. Women wake up early, complete their daily rituals and conclude their Teej fast before visiting nearby rivers, streams, lakes and ponds to perform ritual bathing. As part of the tradition, they brush their teeth with 365 sticks of datiwan and bathe after applying cow dung, soil and ash to their bodies.
As the fourth lunar day, or Chaturthi, falls immediately after the Teej fast this year, religious scholars say devotees should complete the Teej fast before performing the ritual bath and other rites associated with Rishi Panchami.
