Age-old Kanchoth Festival Celebrated In Jammu and Kashmir.

Why in news?

• The age-old festival is celebrated by Hindus, mainly Nag followers, who believe that on this day of Gouri tritiya, Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati got married and the latter insisted on a throne made of snow as her wedding gift.
• Thus, snow during the festival is considered a good omen.
• The festival is celebrated with religious fervor across the Chenab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir.
• During the three-day long festival, married women go in the neighbourhood to offer ‘Thel‘ (respect) to one and all irrespective of religion, creed and caste, age and gender and get in return their blessing — ‘Suhagan Bho’ (wish your husband a long life).