Bhaktapur, Feb. 1 -- Standing on the edge of the Hanumante Ghat tributary, Hindu devotees, in knee-deep cold water, performed the ritualistic dip and ended the month-long arduous fast of "Madhav Narayan."

Among the different faces of Lord Vishnu, Madhav Narayan refers to one who is worshipped during the month of Magh, the ninth month as per the Lunar calendar.

This ritual bath features the rolling-on-ground, which is attended by dozens of devotees as thousands gather around the premises of Hanuman Ghat of Bhaktapur, dedicated to Lord Madhav Narayan.

"The devotees who undergo this ritual cannot wear the shoes, should not eat the foods which are cooked by flipping around, manufactured oils cannot be consumed amongst others," Uddhav Khait...