KATHMANDU: Nepali Hindus across the country are observing Maha Astami today (Tuesday), the eighth day of the 10-day-long Bada Dashain festival, by worshipping Goddess Durga Bhawani.
On this day, special worship is offered to the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Maha Saraswati. Maha Astami is considered a significant day in the Dashain festival, as it marks the occasion when Goddess Durga is believed to have attained divine power.
Devotees perform religious rituals at Dashain Ghars and armories, and offer worship at various shrines by making animal sacrifices. Goats, ducks, and roosters are commonly sacrificed as part of the traditional offerings. Many also recite the Durga Saptashati scriptures on this occasion.
From early morning, devotees have been gathering at goddess temples in the Kathmandu Valley and across the country to worship and make offerings.
Special Durgapuja rituals and prayer ceremonies are held at Dashain Ghars, and people also worship weapons, vehicles, and machinery, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Those who do not practice animal sacrifice offer symbolic substitutes such as fruits and vegetables. A special Kalaratri ritual is also performed at midnight at the Dashain Ghar of Hanumandhoka in the capital.
Comment