KATHMANDU: Maha Nawami, the ninth day of Bada Dashain, is being observed across the country today with special worship of Goddess Durga Bhawani and offerings at temples and shrines.
The festival falls on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asoj according to the lunar calendar and is an integral part of the 10-day Bada Dashain celebration.
On this occasion, devotees perform special rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga Bhawani and offer jamara, the sacred seedlings grown during Dashain, at various temples and shrines.
Animal sacrifices, including male goats, ducks, roosters and buffaloes, are offered at temples dedicated to the goddess. Those who do not follow the tradition of animal sacrifice offer fruits and vegetables instead. Devotees also recite sacred texts, including the Durga Saptashati and Devi Stotra, at homes and temples.
According to the Markandeya Purana, Goddess Chamunda defeated the demon Raktabija on Mahanawami. The day is therefore marked by special worship and traditional offerings to the goddess. Security forces also observe the occasion by performing Kot Puja, the ritual worship of armouries and weapons.
The Taleju Temple at Hanumandhoka in Kathmandu is opened to the public only on Mahanawami, allowing devotees to pay homage to Goddess Tulaja Bhawani. Members of the Newar community also worship Bhimsen, a Hindu deity, on this occasion, with animal sacrifices performed in accordance with their traditions.