Kushe Aunshi (Gokarne Aunshi) today

KATHMANDU, Sept 9: Hindus in the country are collecting kush, a holy grass used while performing various holy rituals as Shraddha and religious rituals, across the country today.

There is a religious belief that keeping kush cut by priests and anointed with sacred verses or mantras in the house brings wellbeing to the household.

The Hindu community regards kush, Tulashi (basil plant), peepal and shaligram (ammonite stone) as the symbols of Lord Bishnu.

Also known as the day of Gokarne Aunshi, children on the occasion feed their fathers with delicious food items including sweets, and show reverence. It is also called Father’s Day.

As per the religious belief of ‘pitridevo bhava’ (respect to ancestors), the son and daughter receive blessing from their fathers, and those whose fathers are already dead go to any pilgrimage site and perform shraddha, the holy ritual. Doing this, it is believed that, their lineage will remain stable forever.

Main pilgrimage sites to perform shraddha are Gokarna of Kathmandu, Betrawati of Rasuwa, and Bishnupaduka of Dharan.