Gaura festival begins in Far-west with biruda soaking ritual

Dadeldhura: The Gaura festival, a major cultural celebration of the Far West, officially began today with the traditional soaking of Biruda (a mixture of five types of grains and legumes).

On the first day, known as Biruda Panchami, fasting women begin the festival by preparing Biruda, which is considered the prasad of Goddess Gaura. The grains are placed in a copper vessel coated with cow dung, decorated with Akshata, and sanctified for worship. Biruda is later used in rituals dedicated to Gaura Devi.

According to cultural expert Khageshwari Saud, the festival begins after the fasting of Putrada Ekadashi and continues from Biruda Panchami in the month of Bhadau. “We must observe a pure vegetarian diet and celibacy a month prior,” she explained, adding that traditional songs, Mangalik Sagun Fang, are sung during the soaking ritual.

Women also wear duvadhago, similar to men, as a symbolic sacrifice during Gaura. “By fasting and worshipping Gaura, it is believed that husbands and family members will enjoy good health, long life, and prosperity,” Saud said.

From this day onward, the playing of deuda, a traditional group dance and song, also begins across communities. The festival is rooted in the ancient tradition of worshipping Parvati—consort of Lord Shiva—revered as Gaura, the daughter of King Himalaya and Queen Menaka.