'This book teaches that after suffering comes happiness': Why is the month-long Swasthani fast observed?
Devotees pray next to the Bagmati River during the 'Madhav Narayan' festival in Kathmandu, Nepal on Wednesday, 29 January 2025. Source: AAP / NARENDRA SHRESTHA/EPA
Every year, thousands of people in Nepal observe the Swasthani fast during the winter months of January/February. Devotee Roshani Joshi spoke to SBS Nepali about her experience and cultural expert Prakash Man Sakhwa shared his insight on the significance of this Hindu festival. Note: This podcast was first published on 6 February 2022.