KAILALI, Aug. 24 -- The Tharu community living in the Tarai region of Nepal is celebrating the Atwari festival with special faith and enthusiasm today. Considered the second biggest festival after Maghi, Aatwari is an important festival celebrated with mostly men staying on a fast. Some women also voluntarily observe a fast during this festival.

This festival is celebrated every year on the second Sunday after Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Since it is celebrated on a Sunday or Aaitabar, this festival is called Aatwari. It is customary for brothers to fast for the good health and prosperity of their sisters on this festival.

The religious importance of the Aatwari festival is linked to the story of the Mahabharata, says Budhram Chaudhary, c...