Excelsior Correspondent
BhadErwah, Feb 4: To celebrate marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati, ancient Kanchoth festival was observed across erstwhile district Doda. The festival is revered as one of the most religious and colourful events for the followers of Nag Culture.
The age-old festival is celebrated as locals mainly Nag followers believe that on this day of Gouri tritiya, Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati got married and the latter insisted on a throne made of snow as her wedding gift. Thus, snow during the festival is considered a good omen.
Like Karvachouth in other parts of the country, Kanchoth or Gauri-Tritya a local festival of women is celebrated with enthusiasm and religious fervour in erstwhile Doda district every year during the Shukla Paksha of Magh month in January and February.
Karwachouth is celebrated mostly in wider geographical area in plains, Kanchoth and Gauri-Tritya is celebrated in hilly areas of Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Ramban and Doda districts of Jammu Province.
Both the festivals are celebrated by women to pray for long life of their husbands. On the festival day women clad in crisp new elegant bridal suit, donning matching jewellery with henna painted hands pray for the long lives of their spouses. The occasion has great significance in the life of every married woman. The day is considered pious for women when they can pray to Goddess Gauri for the long and healthy lives of their husbands.
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