Kathmandu, August 31: The Far-Western region of Nepal has come alive with celebrations of Gaura Parwa, one of the most significant festivals for communities in districts such as Doti, Dadeldhura, Achham, Baitadi, and Bajura. Marked by devotion, cultural unity, and traditional folk songs, the festival carries deep social and spiritual importance.
During the festival, devotees-particularly women-worship Goddess Gaura, the incarnation of Parvati, and observe rituals wishing for family wellbeing and prosperity. One of the cultural highlights is the recitation and singing of Deuda songs, where participants express joy, struggles, and social realities through rhythmic verses.
A popular Deuda verse sung during the celebrations beautifully reflects both pride in the Far-Western hills and the shared hardships of life across Nepal’s fourteen zones:
"Doti is beautiful, Dadeldhura and Achham are beautiful,
Carry me along, O pheasant of the snowy peaks.
I was about to cross the Ganga,
But who is free of suffering across the fourteen zones?"
The verse not only celebrates the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region but also conveys the collective resilience of the people.
Gaura Parwa, which blends devotion, folk tradition, and community gatherings, continues to serve as a vital reminder of Nepal’s cultural diversity. The festival has also become a symbol of unity for people from the Far-Western region, whether at home or abroad.
