Gaura Parwa

Gaura Parwa: A festive thread to unify entire Nepal.
Gaura Parwa has it's roots deeply associated with the origin of the Nepali language and Khas kingdom. The search for the roots of Nepal's language and culture is of great importance in the Far Western landscape and its ancient background. In the far west, which is the origin of the Khas kingdom and the roots of language, culture, and civilization, the Gaura festival is celebrated by organizing various religious activities from the 6th to the 8th of Bhadra Shukla Paksha. Especially in Doti and Kumaon, Gauraparva has been celebrated since time immemorial.

Ancient significance of Gaura Parwa
After Sahastrarjuna, one of the ancient Haihyavanshi kings, killed a Brahmin while demanding his money back from the Bhriguvanshi Brahmins, the widowed Brahmins went on a fast to protect their chastity. As a result of worship, a Brahmin got a glorious son and the king named Sahastrarjuna, who was blinded by the glory of that son, had to apologize, so Gauri, i.e. Parvati, is considered to be the almighty and Gaura festival is celebrated in her memory.

Gaura Process
On the first day of Gaura Parva, the women of the Gaura Parva community go on a fast and soak 'Biruda' i.e. five kinds of nuts in a copper or brass vessel in their house and accept it as an offering. On the second day after soaking the biruda, they wash the 'biruda' at the community water source (pandhera) at an auspicious time and make an idol of Gaura and enter the house. After Gaura enters the Gauraghar, Shiva and Gauri (Gaura) are worshiped by devout women.

After entering Gaura, men and women enjoy playing deuda, chait, dhamari, etc. in separate local folk languages. Through such songs with special and utmost Nepaliness, they share each other's sorrows and joys as well as love. This festival is celebrated as one of the biggest festivals in the far western region. It is customary for the head of state to wish the countrymen on the occasion of the Gaura festival.

It is important to take the Gaura festival not only with the Far West but also as a festival of the entire nation and Nepali identity. East or west, the hearts of Nepali are the same.Happy Gaura festival to Nepalis from Mechi to Mahakali!

Suyog Dhakal