Gaura Parva 2024 | Origin | 2024

Overview

Gaura Parva, also known as Saton-Athon or Gamara, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Sudurpashchim province and parts of Karnali province of Nepal, as well as in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state in India. This joyous occasion commemorates the auspicious wedding of goddess Gaura (Parvati) to Lord Shiva. In this article, we will explore the origins, significance, and customs associated with the vibrant celebration of Gaura Parva.

Etymology: The Name and Its Meaning

The festival gets its name from the local name of the goddess Gauri, who is the beloved consort of Lord Shiva. Gauri is considered the daughter of the Himalayas, and the people residing in the hilly and mountainous regions of western Nepal and Uttarakhand embrace her as a revered kin.

In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the festival is called Saton-Athon or Satu-Athu, meaning seventh and eighth days. This name stems from the main celebration taking place on the seventh and eighth days of the festival.

History

Gaura Parva is associated with various captivating tales that highlight the deep love and devotion between Shiva and Parvati. One of these stories revolves around Goddess Gauri’s rigorous penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. The penance of the goddess is revered and commemorated during this festival.

Another significant tale relates to the benevolence of Goddess Gauri. When Sahastrarjuna, an ancient king, unjustly killed Bhriguvansi Brahmins and demanded the return of his wealth, the grieving widowed wives of the Brahmins prayed to Goddess Gauri for protection. Their devotion led to the birth of a son who eventually confronted and blinded the king, leading him to seek forgiveness from the women. The festival celebrates the goddess’s compassion and omnipotence in this context.

Occurrence of the Festival

Gaura Parva is a lunar festival, and its date is determined by the official astrological committee (Panchang Samiti) each year. Typically, the festival falls either in August or September according to the Gregorian calendar, corresponding to the Nepali months of Shrawan or Bhadra.

This year Gaura Purva date: August 26, 2024 (10 Bhadra 2081)

Celebration:

The celebration of Gaura Parva lasts for four days and is characterized by numerous rituals and traditions.

1. Biruda Panchami

The festivities begin on the day of Biruda Panchami, during which married women soak five types of seeds in water following specific rituals. These soaked seeds, known as Pancha Biruda, hold symbolic significance and are used for further rituals.

2. Shashthi

On the following day, known as Shashthi, the soaked grains are taken to the nearest pond, river, or spring to be washed. Women gather at the washing spot, singing deuda songs and performing traditional dances.

3. Saptami

Saptami is the seventh day of the festival, and it holds a vital role in the Gaura Parva celebrations. On this auspicious day, the Biruda is taken to the nearest temple for further rituals. Women pluck plants of five different grains from a specified field and take them to the house of the village elder, known as Gaura Ghar. In the absence of a village elder, the celebration can be carried out in any specified house with due respect.

During Saptami, an idol of Goddess Gaura is carefully crafted using grasses. These grasses are placed in a bamboo basket and covered with red cloth, symbolizing the divine presence of the goddess. The women observing the festival fast for the entire day and adorn a holy thread made of dubo grass around their necks. As evening approaches, the idol is reverently worshipped, and different garments and cosmetic items are offered to the deity as a sign of devotion and love.

4. Ashtami/Gaurashtami

Ashtami marks the eighth day of the festival and is considered the most significant and joyous day of Gaura Parva. On this day, women gather at a place called Gaura Khalo to fast, sing prayers dedicated to Goddess Gauri and Lord Maheshwar (Shiva), and engage in communal celebrations.

The highlight of Ashtami is the solemnization of the divine wedding between Goddess Gaura and Lord Shiva. For this purpose, idols representing the deities are made using stones or wood. Women carry these idols on their heads and participate in a vibrant dance, singing folk religious songs. The soaked Biruda, is offered as prasad to the people on this day, spreading blessings and prosperity to all. After the culmination of the festival, the idols are gently dispersed into the nearest river after five to eleven days.

Deuda dance

The Deuda dance, a major part of the festivities, takes place throughout the celebration. In this lively dance, participants hold hands and form a circle as they step to the rhythm of traditional music, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.

Also Check: Popular Dances of Nepal | Folk Dance | Classic Dance

Spread of the Festival

Over the years, Gaura Parva has not only remained significant in its original regions but has also transcended boundaries to spread its joy to other parts of Nepal and India. In the Nepalese capital city of Kathmandu, people gather at Tundikhel ground on the final day of the festival to participate in the Deuda dance, embracing the cultural diversity and unity that the festival symbolizes.

In India, the festival finds celebration in the regions around Pithoragarh district of the Kumaon division in Uttarakhand. This cross-border cultural exchange through Gaura Parva highlights the unifying power of festivals in bringing communities together.

Gaura Parva in India

In India, the festival is celebrated with much fervor, particularly in the regions around Pithoragarh district. People participate in various rituals, the Deuda dance, and offer prayers to seek blessings from Goddess Gaura and Lord Shiva. The celebration mirrors the festivities in Nepal, emphasizing the rich cultural connections between the two nations.

Conclusion

Gaura Parva, the joyous celebration of the divine union of Goddess Gaura and Lord Shiva, brings people together in a spirit of love, devotion, and unity. The festival’s origin, customs, and vibrant celebrations are a testament to the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the Sudurpashchim province, Karnali province, and Kumaon region.

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