KATHMANDU: The Maha Astami and Maha Nawami festivals are being celebrated today with fervent worship of Goddess Durga Bhawani and various offerings.
This year, Mahaastami and Mahanawami coincide, both occurring on the same day.
According to the lunar calendar, this festival is observed on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asoj and is part of the 10-day Bada Dashain festival.
Special rituals are performed for Durga Bhawani, and ‘jamara’ (barley shoots) that have been germinated are offered at various shrines.
He-goats, ducks, roosters, and he-buffalos are sacrificed at temples dedicated to the goddesses.
For those who do not follow the tradition of animal or bird sacrifices, offerings of fruits and vegetables are made to the goddess. The Durga Saptasati and Devi Stotra scriptures are also recited in homes and temples today.
As described in the Markandeya Purana, Goddess Chamunda defeated the demon Raktabij on Mahanawami, prompting the special worship of the goddess with animal sacrifices.
On this day, security forces also conduct a ceremony known as ‘kot puja,’ or worship of the armories.
The Taleju Temple in Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu, is open for devotees to pay homage, a rare opportunity as it opens exclusively for Mahanawami.
Additionally, the Newar community honors the Hindu deity Bhimsen with animal sacrifices on this auspicious occasion.
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