Hindu women across Nepal celebrated Rishi Panchami on September 03, 2019, a day after Haritalika Teej.
As per tradition, women worshipped the Saptarshis – the seven saints mentioned in the Hindu scriptures.
On Rishi Panchami, it is customary for women to set up the Saptarshis and worship them. The festival is celebrated on the third of the Teej observances. It is observed on the fifth day of the bright half-moon of Bhadra month on the Nepali calendar.
Women reaching their menstruation period observe Rishi Panchami with fervor and utmost respect. They observe fast and pay homage to the Saptarishis with the belief that they’ll be forgiven of all their sins committed during their menstrual cycle.
As part of the rituals for the day, women wake up early in the morning and bathe in a nearby lake, pond river or stream.
They cleanse their body with 365 Apamarga stems (a medicinal plant) and take a bath using cow dung, soil or ash from sacred places.
The women then say the given prayers and eat grains, guava, Kandamul and wild fruits for a single meal and continue to maintain their fast.
The Shrisheshwar Temple in Teku receives a large number of devotees on this holy day.