Recently, people of Bhaderwah celebrated the ancient Kanchoth festival, which is a symbol of ancient Nag culture.

About Kanchoth festival

• The festival was celebrated amid braving heavy snowfall and extreme cold wave conditions.
• Local residents including women got dressed in traditional fineries and observed fast. They then thronged temples for offering prayers. They hoped that the deity can help end the covid-19 pandemic.
• This age-old festival is celebrated by Hindus, specifically Nag followers.
• Nag followers believe that, on this day of Gouri tritiya, Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati got married. Goddess Parvati asked for a throne made of snow as her wedding gift. Thus, snowfall during the festival is considered a good omen.

By: Brijesh Kumar