The month-long Swasthani Brata and Magh Snan rituals began on Saturday, the Poush Shukla Purnima. The annual observance, which continues for one month until Magh Shukla Purnima, sees devotees across the country performing rituals including bathing and recitation of the Swasthani story.

From today, households observing the Vedic Sanatan tradition have begun formal Magh baths, Swasthani fasting and story recitations. Throughout the month, devotees also worship at various Shakti Peeths.

Shalinadi in Sankhu draws thousands of worshippers each year, with many travelling from India as well.

According to religious belief, bathing in Shalinadi during the month of Magh and receiving the blessings of Madhav Narayan washes away sins and brings spiritual merit.