The month-long Swasthani Brata Katha festival concluded on Friday with the devotees mobbing the river banks considered holy to offer their prayers.

The festival was observed from the full moon day of Poush to Magh (mid-January to mid-February).

The holy fair attracts thousands of devotees every year at the bank of Salinadi River in Sankhu, on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.

The story of Swasthani Mahatmya is recited in every home of Hindu Nepali during the holy month dedicated to goddess Swasthani and lord Madhav Narayan.

As part of the ritual, men and women observe fast throughout the month for good fortune.

Devotees also visit the banks of other holy rivers in the same manner as on the bank of Salinadi River to mark the conclusion of Swasthani Brata.