Kathmandu. The Sawan (Cancer) Sankranti festival, celebrated every year on Shrawan 1st according to the solar month, is being celebrated across the country today with bathing, donations and gathering of relatives and having fun.

There is an ancient tradition of celebrating Sawan Sankranti across the country today, the first day when the Sun completes the Bhoga of Gemini and enters the Cancer zodiac sign. Since the Sun moves south from Shrawan, Dakshinayan begins from today. The days of Uttarayan, which begins on Magh 1st, and Dakshinayan, which begins on Shrawan 1st, are specially celebrated.

Most Nepalis are busy with agricultural work throughout the month of Asar. During this time, Luto throwing is done to cure skin diseases caused by mud and dirt, says theologian Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai.

Farmers who work for a month gather with their relatives and have fun on Shrawan 1st. According to tradition, the demon named ‘Kandaraka’ is worshipped by placing plants that are also used as medicines such as Kaag Bhalayo, Kukardaino, Lutejhar, Pani Amla, Lemon, Mango, Pear, etc. and throwing the ball.

While throwing the ball, it is customary in Nepali society to dance, blow conch shells, ring bells, and close doors according to one’s own tribal traditions. The month of Shrawan is also considered a month to worship Lord Shiva in particular. Women show their closeness to nature by wearing green bangles and other clothes. Green clothes and bangles are sold more in the month of Shrawan. Many women wear green and red clothes during this month. (RSS)