Aathon festival, also known as Sathon Aanthon Vrat, is
mainly observed in the Soar valley of Pithoragarh and adjoining areas of
western Nepal. In 2024, Aathon is from September 10 to September 12. The vrat
and festival observed in Bhadrapad month is dedicated to Shiva and Goddess
Parvati – Maheswar and Gaura. The three-day festival begins on the Shukla
Paksha Saptami day in Bhadrapad month.
Aathon is observed for the welfare of the family and for
good harvest. It is one of oldest forms of Gaura Worship in the country.
The main ritual includes tying of ‘dor’ on the right hand by
women – a sacred thread. This thread is tied till the next Aathon Festival.
Seeds of five grains and fruits are offered to Goddess Gaura for prosperity of
the family.
On the Ashtami day, women in the village offer prayers before
the murtis of Gaura and Maheshwar – the murtis are made by the men of the
village.
On the navami day, married women do prayers to Dub Dhaga or Mangalsutra.
At
the end of the festival, all the seeds and fruits used in the prayers as
offering to the Goddess is thrown in a field. This is collected as Prasad by
devotees.