Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, Jan 21: Dressed in bridal attire, hundreds of women on Wednesday thronged different temples to celebrate ancient Nag Festival ‘Kanchoth’ also known as ‘Gouri Tritiya’ across the Chenab region especially in Bhaderwah valley.
According to a local belief, the festival commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati and is one of the revered events for the followers of Nag culture.
The age-old festival is celebrated across the Chenab region as locals, mainly Nag followers believe that on this day of Gouri Tritiya, God Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married and received a throne made of snow as wedding gift.
Snowfall during the festival is considered as good omen.
Like Karva Chouth is celebrated across the country, Kanchoth or Gouri Tritya, a local festival of women is celebrated with enthusiasm and religious fervor in Chenab region every year during Shukla Paksha of Magh month of Hindu calendar.
On this day women pray for long life of their husbands. Married few months back, Jyoti Baloria from hill top village Dhara said: “I’m excited as for me this is my first Kanchoth and my mother-in-law and other ladies are guiding me regarding the rituals which I really love to perform.”
“Kanchoth festival though is of one day, yet the festivity remains for three days during which ladies go in the neighborhood to offer ‘Thel’ (respect) to one and all irrespective of religion, creed and caste, age or sex and get in return blessing,” said Anita, 27, of Dhara village.
“This is my 35th Kanchoth and I still feel excited like I was during my first experience,” said Mohani Yogi.
The main programmes were reported from Dhara, Ghata, Khakhal, Gupt Ganga, Chinnote, Jatani, Katyara, Hanga and Chinchora where women prayed for long lives for their husbands.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
