Gaura Parva is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated by the residents of Sudurpaschim province and parts of Karnali province of Nepal and it is also quite popular in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state of India. The festival commemorates the wedding of Goddess Parvati. The divine loving bond Shiva (Maheswor) and Parvati ( Gaura) is the main reason for the celebration of this festival. Goddess Gauri went on rigor penance in order to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. The penance of the Goddess is venerated in this festival.
Gaura Parva is celebrated in far western Nepal, mainly Darchula, Baitadi, Doti and Dadeldhura. In this festival, women worship lord Shiva and Parvati as well as lord Ganesha just like in Haritalika Teej. During Gaura Parba, women in far western region of Nepal get together, sing traditional songs and dance in typical circular movements of Deuda dance. They also fast on this very day and offer prayers to Gaura or Gauri and Shiva. This celebration is believed to bring about prosperity to their spouse and to the entire family.
Apart from recreational significance, this festival also gives recognition to the far western region. This festival is more women-centric as women undergo fasting, pray to the god, make offerings for the well-being of their husband and the whole family.
Bibek Kapadi
Grade: 8