Nag Devotees Celebrate Age-Old Kanchouth Festival Across Bhaderwah Valley. Anchored to commemorate the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the ancient Kanchouth festival, also known as Gauri Tritiya, was observed with deep religious fervour across the hills and valleys of the Chenab region, particularly in Bhaderwah. The festival is regarded as one of the most sacred and colourful occasions for followers of the ancient Nag culture. According to local belief, on the auspicious day of Gauri Tritiya, Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva and sought a throne made of snow as her wedding gift. To uphold this centuries-old tradition and seek divine blessings, women from Bhaderwah and its adjoining areas were seen early in the morning marching towards temples and sacred water bodies to perform rituals and prayers. Major celebrations were reported from Nalthi, Kotli, Khakhal, Gupt Ganga, Chinote, Sartingal, Dhara, Hanga, and several other temples across the region. Much like Karwa Chouth celebrated in the plains, Kanchouth is observed in the hilly areas of Bhaderwah. Both festivals are dedicated to praying for the long life and well-being of husbands, though traditions differ slightly. While Karwa Chouth fasts are broken after moon sighting, Kanchouth fasts are concluded after Gauri Pooja during the daytime. A woman from Nalthi village explained that during Kanchouth, women traditionally partake in food at every house they visit, sometimes eating in dozens of homes in a single day. In the evenings, women gather to sing traditional Ghurai bhajans and perform folk dances, while, as per custom, household kitchens are managed by husbands for three days. Traditionally, snowfall during the Kanchouth festival is considered an auspicious omen and a divine blessing, symbolising the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Elders recall that the festival was once marked by snow-covered hills, adding a mystical charm to the celebrations. This year, however, Kanchouth was celebrated without snowfall. Despite the absence of snow, the faith of Nag devotees remained unwavering, proving that traditions live on through belief and devotion rather than weather alone. Though Kanchouth is observed as a one-day ritual, the festivities continue for three days. During this period, women visit neighbours to offer respect, locally known as ‘Thel’, and receive blessings in return — ‘Suhagan Bho’, wishing long life and prosperity for their husbands. These rituals are performed without any discrimination of religion, caste or creed, reflecting social harmony and unity. “Kanchouth gives us a unique joy. On this day, even our mother-in-law seeks blessings by touching our feet. Husbands manage household chores for three days, and we seek blessings from everyone, irrespective of religion or caste,” said Komal Devi a newly married woman from Nalthi village. Expressing her emotional bond with the festival, Rashmi of Bhaderwoh said, “This is my 25th Kanchouth, yet the excitement remains the same. I still get goosebumps waiting for this beautiful festival. I hope the coming generations preserve and cherish this rich and ancient Nag tradition.” Kanchouth or Gauri Tritiya is celebrated every year during the Shukla Paksha of the Magh month (January–February) in the hilly districts of Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Ramban and Doda of Jammu province, symbolising faith, tradition, devotion and the enduring cultural heritage of the Chenab Valley.