Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, Jan 24: Celebrated to commemorate the marriage of God Shiva with Goddess Parvati, ancient Kanchoth festival was observed across Chenab region.
The festival is one of the revered events for the followers of Nag culture.
The age-old festival is celebrated across Chenab region as locals, mainly Nag followers believe that on this day of Gouri Tritiya, God Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married and the latter insisted on a throne made of snow as her wedding gift.
Thus, snowfall during the festival is considered as good omen.
Like Karva Chouth celebrated in other parts of the country, Kanchoth or Gouri Tritya, a local festival of women is celebrated with enthusiasm and religious fervour in Chenab region every year during Shukla Paksha of Magh month of Hindu calendar.
On this day women pray for long life of their husbands. On Karwa Chouth women break their fast when the moon appears in night strictly with vegetarian food but in Kanchoth the fast is broken after Gouri Pooja during the day with non-vegetarian dishes.
Married few months back, Mohani Yogi from Seri Bazaar Bhaderwah said: “I’m excited as for me this is my first Kanchoth and my mother-in-law and other ladies are teaching me the traditions which I really love to perform.”
“Kanchoth festival though is of one day yet the festivity remains for three days during which ladies go in the neighborhood to offer ‘Thel’ (respect) to one and all irrespective of religion, creed and caste, age or sex and get in return their blessing,” said Durga Devi, 33, of Hanga village.
“This is my 30th Kanchoth and I still feel excited. I hope the coming generations will not forget their rich tradition,” said Kanchan Goswami.
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