When did the Gaura Parba in Nepal start?
About Gaura Parba in Nepal Holiday
Gaura Parba, or Gauri festival, is a Hindu religious festival celebrated in Nepal every year. This festival is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Gauri or Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva. Gaura Parba is celebrated in late August or early September depending on the lunar phase and is seen as a representation of the end of the summer and the beginning of the Hindu calendar.
During Gaura Parba, devotees in Kathmandu come together for a grand celebration filled with activities and ritualistic ceremonies. People greet each other with “Gaura Pahala” (Greetings of Gauri Festival), exchange sweets and gifts, and decorate their houses. The streets and temples of Kathmandu are filled with the colorful flowers and with religious symbols that signify the festival.
On the morning of Gaura Parba, devotees gather at the temples to worship Goddess Gauri. Devotees prepare special foods such as rice pudding, sweets, and vermicelli with saffron mixed in milk, and offer them as part of their offering to Goddess Gauri. The festivities also include traditional music and dance. People dress in their finest clothes to join in the merrymaking that lasts up to a week, culminating on the last day of Gaura Parba with a grand procession of chariots holding the images of Goddess Gauri around the city streets.
Gauri Parba, Nepal – Introduction
Gauri Parba is a popular Nepali festival celebrated annually on the second day of Poush month of Bikram Sambat which falls in mid December according to the Gregorian calendar. It is a public holiday in Nepal and marks the onset of winters in the Himalayas. It has its origins in Hinduism and celebrates the birth of the goddess Gauri or parvati who is considered a form of Goddess Durga or Shakti.
History and Origin
Gauri Parba is an ancient festival which starts off the nine-day Maghe Sankranti mela. It is believed that the festival dates back to Vedic times during the Vedic period in India. According to legends, it was during this period that Goddess Gauri was born from the body of Goddess Durga. The festival is widely celebrated throughout India and Nepal.
Significance and Meaning
Gauri Parba is believed to bring good fortune, health and prosperity in a person’s life. It also marks the beginning of the winter season in Nepal and is a time for people to enjoy the outdoor activities and to spend time with family and friends. The festival is marked by many symbolic rituals and events to worship the birth of the goddess Gauri. People often get dressed in colorful clothes and offer the goddess gifts, sweets and flowers.
Traditions and Celebrations
On Gauri Parba day, women in Nepal dress up in yellow sarees or dresses to represent the goddess Gauri. They also wear colorful bangles and jewellery. They then proceed to the nearest Gauri temple to offer their prayers and offerings. The temples are usually decorated with flowers, colorful lights, banners, and other ornaments. Other rituals include worshipping idols of Gauri, offering milk and rice to the goddess and lighting lamps to honor her.
Geographical Spread
Gauri Parba is celebrated throughout Nepal and India. In India, Gauri Puja is celebrated in North and West India, mainly in cities like Delhi, Varanasi, Ujjain, Mathura, Kolkata, Patna and Allahabad. In Nepal, the festival is most popular in Kathmandu and surrounding areas.
Modern Day Observations
Today, Gauri Parba is celebrated with much enthusiasm across Nepal and India. People of all ages join the festivities, offering prayers and participating in the rituals to honor the goddess Gauri. Participants also exchange gifts and sweets amongst each other. During the nine-day Mange Sankranti mela, fairs and festivities are held around Nepal and India to mark the official start of the winter season.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
1. It is believed that women who observe Gauri Parba will receive the blessings of the goddess Gauri.
2. The nine-day Mange Sankranti mela is held to mark the start of the winter season in Nepal and India.
3. People exchange gifts and sweets during the occasion to honor the goddess Gauri.
4. Goats, ducks, and ducks’ eggs are also sacrificed as offerings to the goddess Gauri during the festival.
5. Murtis of the goddess Gauri are carried through the streets during the procession.
6. Traditional folk music and dance performances are held during the procession.
7. People light butter lamps and spread flower petals in front of the deity’s temple as a sign of respect.
8. Special dishes are prepared to mark the occasion and women wear yellow sarees and traditional jewelry.
9. Women also draw elaborate designs of rangoli near the temple as a sign of reverence for the goddess Gauri.
10. With the advent of modern technology, many people also share e-cards and other digital greetings online.
Holiday Wishes, Messages, Quotes
1. “May the divine blessings of Goddess Gauri bring you and your family success, health and wealth”
2. “Let’s celebrate Gauri Parba with love and joy and pray for peace and prosperity”
3. “Glad Gauri Parba! Wishing you and yours a warm and happy season”
4. “Wish you all success and abundant blessings on Gauri Parba”
5. “Let this Gauri Parba fill your life with the light of prosperity and kindness”
6. “Celebrate Gauri Parba with festivities and make this festival memorable”
7. “Wish you great happiness and peace on the occassion of Gauri Parba”
8. “Let the festive spirit of Gauri Parba bring joy to your family”
9. “May the wealth and prosperity be yours during this Gauri Parba”
10. “Wishing you an endearing Gauri Parba filled with memories and love”
11. “Gauri Parba is the day to honor Goddess Gauri and spread her blessings”
12. “May the divine blessings of Goddess Gauri shower upon this season”
13. “Let us pray for peace and harmony on this joyous Gauri Parba”
14. “Hope you have an immensely blessed Gauri Parba!”
15. “Dance with the rhythm of the drums on this joyous Gauri Parba”
16. “Warm wishes to you and your family on this holy occasion of Gauri Parba”
17. “Greet this Gauri Parba with a heart full of love and blessings”
18. “Align yourself with the divine energies of Gauri Parba”
19. “The joyous Festival of Gauri Parba is here, let us celebrate!”
20. “Happy Gauri Parba! May the blessings of Goddess Gauri last forever”
How to Say "Gaura Parba in Nepal" In Different Languages?
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Gaura Parba in Nepal Also Called
Gaura Parba is also known as Gaur Punima or Gaura Purnima.
FUN FACT:
In year 1979, Gaura Parba in Nepal is celebrated on July 5 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!