Rishipanchami observed nationwide

Hindu women across the country celebrated the Rishipanchami festival on Tuesday.

They observed the festival by worshipping Saptarishi, the seven sages- Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadhvaja, Vishvamitra, Gauthama, Jamadagni and Vashistha, and taking ritual bath in holy rivers and ponds  in the morning.

It is believed that by offering prayers to Saptarishi and performing holy rituals, women are forgiven their sins committed during their menstrual cycle by not adhering to the precepts set down by the religion.

During the day, devotees only take a single meal, preferably grains, vegetables and fruits.

Lord Ganesh and Navagratha, the nine planetary gods, are also worshipped in this day.

Rishipanchami is observed on the fifth day of the bright half moon in the Nepali month of Bhadra. 

Source