Kathmandu, September 8
Nepali women are celebrating Rishipanchami today by worshipping the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages) as part of a religious ritual observed on Bhadra Shukla Panchami.
Many devotees have gathered at Teku’s Risheshwar Temple for the occasion.
On Rishi Panchami, women observing the fast begin their day by bathing and worshipping the sages Atri, Gautam, Bharadwaj, Jamadagni, Vashishta, Kashyap, and Vishwamitra, along with Arundhati.
The ritual requires 365 items for worship, including rice grains, barley, sesame seeds, flowers, lamps, betel leaves, and areca nuts. After the prayers, participants eat a single meal consisting of unbroken grains such as sama, kaguno, taro, potatoes, yams, and copperweed.
According to religious beliefs, worshipping the Saptarishis cleanses devotees of all sins. The day also marks the conclusion of the Teej fast.
Devotees have gathered at key religious sites, including Pashupatinath Temple and Risheshwar Temple in Teku, with many engaging in singing and dancing following the rituals.
