Kathmandu, October 20
Mahanawami, the ninth day of the Bada Dashain festival, is being observed across Nepal today with special worship of Goddess Durga Bhawani and offerings at temples and homes.
Observed on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the lunar month of Asoj, Mahanawami is marked by prayers, rituals and offerings to the goddess. Jamara, the sacred barley shoots grown during Dashain, are also offered at various shrines.
Animal sacrifices, including male goats, ducks, roosters and buffaloes, are performed at temples dedicated to the goddess. Those who do not follow the tradition of animal sacrifice offer fruits and vegetables instead.
Devotees also recite religious scriptures, including the Durga Saptasati and Devi Stotra, at homes and temples.
According to the Markandeya Purana, Goddess Chamunda killed the demon Raktabij on Mahanawami. The day is therefore marked by special worship of the goddess, including animal sacrifices in communities that observe the tradition.
Security forces also perform Kot Puja, a ritual worship of their armouries, on this occasion.
In Kathmandu, the Taleju Temple at Hanumandhoka is opened to the public for devotees to pay homage to Goddess Tulaja Bhawani. The temple is open to the public only on Mahanawami.
Members of the Newar community also worship Bhimsen, a Hindu deity, on the occasion, with animal sacrifices performed by those who follow the tradition.
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