KATHMANDU: The customary practice of silent bathing was observed today on Sombarey Aunshi, the new moon day that falls on a Monday.

As per the Vedic Sanatan Hindu tradition, on Sombarey Aunshi, devotees take a ritual bath early in the morning without speaking to anyone. This practice has been followed since ancient times.

It is believed that observing this ritual fulfills one’s wishes and brings blessings.

According to former member of the Nepal Panchanga Decision Committee (Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee), Prof Dr Devamani Bhattarai, Sombarey Aunshi usually occurs two to three times a year.

He said that religious scriptures mention that observing a silent bath on Sombarey Aunshi brings happiness in a conjugal life and auspicious outcomes in one’s life. The day is also considered significant in performing other rituals: Shradhha and Tarpan in honour of ancestors.

Similarly, the month-long Adhika-masa (leap month) which had begun on May 17 is concluding today, as per the calendar determined by the committee. This period is observed by organising various religious fairs and events.

Adhika-masa also called the Adhik-mas, Mala-masa, and the Purushottama-masa, is an intercalated month in the Hindu calendar that is inserted to keep the lunar calendar aligned with the months of the year. The adhika-masa is an extra lunar month added to the solar calendar approximately every three years so that the lunar and the solar years are synchronised, along with the agricultural cycle and seasons.