Dadeldhura. Gaura, the original festival of sudurpaschim state, has formally started from today. On the first day of the festival, it is customary for fasting women to soak biruda (five types of grains and legumes) to start gaura. Therefore, today is also known as Biruda Panchami.

The copper pot is wrapped with cow dung and kept in it. Biruda is considered as Gauri’s prasad. Biruda is used in the worship of Gauradevi.

Khageshwari Saud, an expert on the festival, said that gaura festival will start from Biruda Panchami of August after fasting on Putrada Ekadashi. “We have to follow pure vegetarianism and bahmacharya from a month in advance,” he said. On this festival, women wear milk like men fasting.

“Gaura is our biggest festival and like men, women will also wear ‘yajnopavit’,” he said, adding, “It is believed that fasting on Gaura will bring healthy husbands and family members healthy, longevity and happiness and prosperity in the family.” ’

Deuda is also being played in different places from today. Since ancient times, Parvati, the half-sister of Lord Shiva, has been worshiped as Gaura Devi as the daughter of Mountain King Himalaya and Maneka.