Maha Nawami being observed today on the ninth day of Dashain

KATHMANDU: Maha Nawami or the ninth day of Bada Dashain festival is being observed today by worshiping Goddess Durga.

This day usually falls on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asoj as per the lunar calendar. However, this year it falls in the month of Kartik.

During the day, special worship of Goddess Durga is performed while offering the jamara or germinated seeds sown on the first day of the festival at various temples and shrines. Various other kinds of offerings are made to the goddess.

In this festival observed by the majority of Hindus, the Durga Saptasati and Devi Strota scriptures are recited at homes and in temples on this day. Today is also the day when people worship their vehicles and other machinery.

As mentioned in the Markandeya Purana scripture, Goddess Chamunda had slain the demon Raktabij on the day of Maha Nawami.

Meanwhile, the Taleju Temple located at Hanumandhoka in the capital city that is opened for devotees to pay homage only today will remain closed this year due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Likewise, the animal sacrifice made at Hanumandhoka will also not take place this year, according to the chief of the Durbar caretaker office Sandip Khanal.