KATHMANDU, Oct 20: The Mahanawami festival is being observed today with fervour, with devotees worshipping Goddess Durga Bhawani and making offerings.
The festival is observed on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asoj, according to the lunar calendar. It is also part of the 10-day Bada Dashain festival.
Special worship is performed in honour of Durga Bhawani on Mahanawami, and the germinated jamara is offered to the goddess at various shrines. Male goats, ducks, roosters and male buffaloes are sacrificed at temples dedicated to the goddesses. Those who do not follow the tradition of animal or bird sacrifice offer fruits and vegetables instead.
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Mahanawami festival being observed today
The scriptures Durga Saptashati and Devi Stotra are also recited at homes and temples on this day.
According to the Markandeya Purana, Goddess Chamunda slew the demon Raktabija on Mahanawami. Animal sacrifices are therefore offered as part of the special worship of the goddess on this day.
On this occasion, security forces also perform kot puja, or the worship of armouries.
The Taleju Temple at Hanumandhoka in the capital is also opened to the public on Mahanawami, allowing devotees to pay homage to Goddess Tulaja Bhawani. The temple opens to the public only on this occasion.
Members of the Newar community also worship Bhimsen, a Hindu deity, by offering animal sacrifices on Mahanawami.