Gaura (festival)
Gaura Parva (Nepali: गौरा पर्व; Saton–Athon (Kumaoni: सातों-आठों) or Gamara) is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people residing in Sudurpashchim province and parts of Karnali province of Nepal as well as in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state of India. The festival commemorates the wedding of the goddess Gaura/Gauri (Parvati) to Shiva. The festival falls in the Hindu month of Bhadra (August/September).
| Gaura Parva | |
|---|---|
Gaura celebration in Nepal | |
| Official name | गौरा पर्व |
| Also called | Gamara, Saton–Athon, Satu–Athu, Gora |
| Observed by | Nepali and Kumaoni Hindus |
| Type | Nepali |
| Significance | Wedding of Shiva to Gauri (Parvati) |
| Begins | Bhadra Krishna/Shukla Panchami |
| Ends | Bhadra Krishna/Shukla Ashtami |
Over the years, the festivals has become an identifying factor for the people of Sudurpashchim region. It is considered to be the one of the most important festival of the Khas community of Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces of Nepal. The celebration of the festival has also spread to other parts of the country. In the Nepalese capital city of Kathmandu, people gather at Tundikhel ground on the final day of the festival and perform deuda dance. In India, the festival is celebrated in the regions around Pithoragarh district of Kumaon division of Uttarakhand state.